At least 6 die in new outbreak of Somalia fighting

MOGADISHU, May 31 (Reuters) A new outbreak of fighting between rival militias in the Somali capital Mogadishu killed at least six people including two civilians early today, residents said.

''We woke up to the noises of the mortars and other guns used by both sides,'' resident Ahmed Dige told Reuters.

Islamist militiamen attacked early in the morning in northeastern Mogadishu, and seized several positions previously held by fighters loyal to an alliance of warlords who say they have banded together to fight terrorism, residents said.

The fighting broke three days of relative peace in the city, as the militias re-armed and gird for new turf wars.

The two sides have been battling for control of Mogadishu in fighting that has killed at least 326 people since February, among the worst ever seen in Somalia.

Reuters SRS GC1309