Gunmen attack Ethiopian troops

Mugadishu, Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Simba Radio

At least four people died in the fighting, with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

The gunmen arrived in five vehicles and begin attacking the base, shouting "God is great", an eyewitness said.

Islamists and other insurgents strongly oppose the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia who are backing the country's interim government.

Last December, the allies ousted the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), an Islamist group that had taken control of much of southern Somalia.

Violence has surged in city since national reconciliation talks began earlier this month - spurring more than 10,000 residents to flee in recent weeks, the UN says.