MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 28 (UPI) -- More than 25 people are reported dead and another 50 injured in two days of fighting in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
Rival factions armed with automatic weapons and mortars are battling for control of the city's two functioning ports and an airstrip, the BBC reported, leading to fear among businessmen and residents that international trade could be affected.
Somali leaders were meeting meanwhile in Kenya to try to establish the country's first central government since President Siad Barre fled in 1991.
The clashes are between fighters loyal to Musa Sudi Yalahow and Bashir Raghe, an ally of Mohamed Omar Habeb.
Stray mortar rounds and untargeted shells have sent thousands of women, children and the elderly fleeing from their homes, according to reports. Some shells reportedly landed on refugee camps.
Many of those killed are thought to be civilians.
