Fresh fighting has erupted in the Somali capital between Islamist militants and government troops following Tuesday's militant attack on a Mogadishu hotel that killed 31 people.
The French news agency, AFP, reports at least six civilians were killed in the latest violence.
The al-Qaida linked al-Shabab insurgent group claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on the Muna Hotel and said lawmakers staying there were the targets. Four members of the Somali parliament were killed.The hotel is near the presidential palace in a small part of Mogadishu still under government control.
The United States strongly condemned the attack. State Department spokesman PJ Crowley says the fact that the attack took place during Ramadan highlights al-Shabab's complete disregard for human life, Somali culture, and Islam.
Al-Shabab wants to topple the Somali government and establish a strict Islamic state. It has already imposed harshly conservative Islamic law in the areas under its control.
The group announced Monday that it is launching what it calls a new offensive against the Somali government and African Union troops.
Al-Shabab says it was behind the July bombings in Uganda which killed 76 people watching the World Cup finals on television.
