15 killed in Somali clashes

MOGADISHU - At least 15 people, including the security head of Mogadishu, were killed and 43 others injured in clashes between the security forces and Islamic militants in the Somali capital Saturday, officials said.

Nur Hassan Ali, in charge of Mogadishu security, was killed in one of the battles between Somali government forces and militants in the Abdelaziz district here, an official said.

Paramedics and officials said 14 more people, mostly civilians, were killed in clashes near the interim headquarters of the Somali government.

The injured were rushed to the Medina hospital in Mogadishu.