MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 30 (UPI) -- An Ethiopian helicopter was shot down Friday in Mogadishu, where Somali insurgents and government troops backed by Ethiopian forces have been battling.
An anti-aircraft rocket hit the attack helicopter, which crashed as it landed at the Mogadishu airport, witnesses told Shabelle Radio.
At least 30 people were killed and many others were wounded in the Mogadishu fighting Thursday, Shabelle Media Network reported.
Heavy fighting was reported Friday near Mogadishu's soccer stadium. Ethiopian soldiers and Somali insurgents dug trenches a few yards apart, Shabelle Media Network said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told Ethiopia's Parliament this week that two-thirds of its troops have withdrawn from Somalia and the remainder would leave in consultation with the African Union.
As the Ethiopian force left, 1,700 Ugandan troops arrived in Mogadishu as part of a planned 8,000 member African Union force.
