MOGADISHU (AFP) — Two civilians, one of them a child, were killed Sunday when Islamist militants clashed briefly with Somali government forces in the capital Mogadishu, officials and witnesses said.

Insurgents had attacked police positions in the city’s northern Sanaa district, said police officer Mohamed Hashi.

“The violent elements opened fire on government positions near Sanaa,” Hashi told AFP. “There was heavy exchange of gunfire.”

Local resident Abdullahi Moalim said: “Two civilians, one of them a young boy, died in our neighbourhood after clashes erupted this afternoon.”

Five people were also wounded in the fighting, said residents.

Mogadishu has been engulfed this month by fierce fighting between the two sides, killing more than 200 people and forcing tens of thousands others to flee their homes.

The rebel onslaught has been led by the Shebab, an extremist faction accused of links to Al-Qaeda; and Hezb al-Islam, a more political radical group loyal to opposition leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.

The groups want to topple President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a moderate Islamist who came to power in January. They have confirmed that they are receiving support from foreign fighers.

Sharif recently accused Eritrea of backing the insurgency and the African Union has called on the United Nations to apply sanctions on Asmara.

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