Jolie calls for help for Somalis

NEW YORK, April 20 (UPI) -- Actress and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelia Jolie is calling for more aid for thousands of Somalis trapped by violence in the capital of Mogadishu.

"I am deeply troubled by the complete and utter disregard for human life in Somalia," Jolie said in a statement Monday, echoing recent calls by U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres. "I appeal to those who carry on fighting not to shell and target civilian neighborhoods."

The United Nations said nearly daily fighting -- between government forces and supporters, backed by African Union peacekeepers, and Islamist rebels -- killed or injured more than 900 people last month in Mogadishu.

Jolie is the mother of six young children. Her film credits include "Girl, Interrupted," "A Mighty Heart" and "Wanted."