13 Die in Fresh Mogadishu Clashes

At least 13 civilians died and 33 others were injured in Mogadishu Monday as fresh clashes emerged between government forces and Islamist insurgents Al-Shabaab.

These clashes come just days just after an insurgent suicide bomb attack claimed over 24 lives, including those of three Somali ministers at a ceremony for students graduating from Banadir University.

Eyewitnesses said most of the dead women and children. The injured are being treated at Keysaney Hospital.

Somali Police spokesman Abdullahi Hassan Barise said the rebels intend to carry out more attacks at strategic sites including the presidential palace, Villa Somalia. Barise expressed fears that Al-Shabaab could be in possession of crucial information that they might use in carrying out their attacks.

Hundreds of Somalis have in recent days staged demonstrations against the activities of Al-Shabaab.[CK]