Figures from the United Nations state more than 320,000 people, nearly a third of Mogadishu, have fled since February. The UN has been warning a humanitarian disaster is imminent. Many residents have been dying from cholera and diarrhea, and food and water is increasingly scarce. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has urged warring parties to respect the laws of war and accuse combatants of blocking humanitarian aid to troubled regions.
The UIC were ousted in December after six months in power. The hardliners in the group swore they would start an insurgent war against the Ethiopian supported Somali transitional government. The insurgent forces of the group are also loyal to Hawiye clan, the largest clan in the region. The Hawiye clan declared war against the Ethiopian armies in early April.
The UN recognizes the Somalia transitional government that was setup in 2004. The region has been battling over border disputes for many years. Ethiopia's rivals in Eritrea are accused of supplying the UIC forces with weapons and the battle in Mogadishu is symbolic of the larger conflict. African Union troops are trying to mediate the conflict, though their troops fall short of their stated goals. In January, US Special Forces were deployed to the region to hunt al Qa'ida operatives and provide training to Ethiopian and Somali forces.
Wire services are reporting heavy shelling in the Somali capital today, marking the 6th day of conflict.
Photo credit: Reuters