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Fresh upsurge in Somalia fighting Fresh upsurge in Somalia fighting
(about 1 hour later)
Fighting has intensified in Somalia, with reports of Ethiopian troops and aircraft attacking positions deep inside the country. Fighting has intensified in Somalia, with reports of Ethiopian troops and aircraft attacking positions held by Islamic militiamen.
Ethiopia backs the weak government, which has lost control of much of Somalia to the Islamic militiamen. Ethiopia backs the government, which has lost control of much of Somalia to the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC).
Witnesses say Ethiopian fighters have bombarded the town of Beledweyne near the Ethiopian border. Ethiopian fighters bombarded the UIC-held town of Beledweyne near the Ethiopian border, eyewitnesses say.
Heavy fighting has also been reported near the government-held town of Baidoa as well as the capital, Mogadishu. Clashes were also reported near the government-held town of Baidoa on the fifth day of renewed fighting.
The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) militia has vowed to drive out Ethiopian troops which it says are fighting alongside government forces. The UIC has vowed to drive out Ethiopian troops which it says are fighting alongside government forces.
On Saturday, the UIC - which controls most of the south, including the capital, Mogadishu - appealed for foreign fighters to join them in the battle with Ethiopia. The Islamic group - which controls most of the south, including the capital, Mogadishu - on Saturday appealed for foreign fighters to join them a "holy war" against Ethiopia.
Regional fears
An UIC commander on Sunday said Ethiopian planes were bombing the Beledweyne area, about 190 miles (300 km) north of the capital Mogadishu.
We see planes striking us and heavy fighting on the ground intensifying Beledweyne resident Q&A: Islamist advance Town on brink of war Can war be averted? "The enemy of Allah has started bombing our civilians," Sheikh Hassan Derrow told AFP news agency.
A resident told AFP: "We see planes striking us and heavy fighting on the ground intensifying."
There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia.
The conflict is also reported to have spread to the Galkayo area further north.
Ethiopia has not formally acknowledged sending troops to back Somalia's transitional government, but admits sending military trainers.Ethiopia has not formally acknowledged sending troops to back Somalia's transitional government, but admits sending military trainers.
The Somali government has said its own fighters - rather than Ethiopian soldiers - have been fending off an advance by the UIC.
Both sides say they have killed hundreds of people since the fighting began on Tuesday - although aid agencies report dozens of dead.
The recent clashes have heightened fears of a regional war.
The UN estimates that at least 8,000 Ethiopian troops may be in the country, while rival Eritrea is said to have deployed some 2,000 troops in support of the Islamic group.The UN estimates that at least 8,000 Ethiopian troops may be in the country, while rival Eritrea is said to have deployed some 2,000 troops in support of the Islamic group.
However, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki denied his country had troops deployed in Somalia.However, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki denied his country had troops deployed in Somalia.
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