Violent fighting erupts in Somalia capital, Mogadishu

In a major setback for the Somali government, Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia has been hit by what is reported to be the fiercest fighting in the city in months.

The clashes began shortly after dawn between Islamist al-Shabab militants and government troops, backed by African Union (AU) troops.

The AU forces are reported to have used tanks and heavy artillery.

Reports say Al-Shabab withdrew from Mogadishu in August and the government then declared that the city was under its control.

The fighting occurred in the northern districts of Karan and Huriwa on Thursday.

There are reports of casualties but the details are not yet known.

It followed an attack by al-Shabab on Wednesday on a military training camp run by AU peacekeepers, in Wadajir to the south of Mogadishu.

That area had previously been considered relatively safe.

Since the Islamists made their "tactical withdrawal" from Mogadishu there have been several suicide attacks in the city.

Reports have it that at least five people were killed in the most recent one that happened on Tuesday in the Hodan district.

Meanwhile, al-Shabab had announced that it was changing its name to Imaarah Islamiya earlier this week.

Reports say the move may have been designed to send a message to the international community that al-Shabab is not on the verge of defeat.

Notwithstanding, the African Union has about 9,000 troops in Mogadishu to prevent the internationally-backed government from being overthrown.

The Kenyan parliament on Wednesday agreed to integrate its troops in Somalia into the AU force.

Somalia has endured more than two decades of war and for much of that time had no functioning government.

BBC/Adekusibe/Williams