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Fierce fighting in Mogadishu

NAIROBI: At least 248 people were injured in fierce fighting in Mogadishu, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Saturday.

The ICRC and the Somalian Red Crescent Society (SRCS) delivered emergency medical supplies to three hospitals in the capital where the injured were admitted on Thursday and Friday.

Later 50 patients were transferred to the Keysaney SRCS hospital in northern Mogadishu, the ICRC said in a statement published here.

Five Red Crescent workers were hurt while evacuating the injured in "particularly risky" conditions, the organisation said.

"As far as possible the Red Crescent teams will continue to try to reach the wounded, whatever side they are on, but this can only be possible if the combatants respect our emblem," SRCS delegation leader Fred Grimm said.

Medical sources believe scores of injured people have not reached hospital because of the exchange of mortar shells and heavy machine gun fire.

At least 17 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in two days of fighting between militia loyal to Somali warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid and those supporting his rival Osman Ali Atto, medical workers said Friday.

The violence erupted on Thursday as European Union Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Emma Bonino and her delegation were touring north Mogadishu.-APP