6 more killed in Somali fighting

At least six people have been killed in an ambush outside the Somali capital Mogadishu, adding to days of bloodshed that cast a shadow over rare peace talks.

Insurgents attacked a military base near the presidential palace. Friday's clashes broke out after the rebels seized control of a police compound late on Thursday in heavily guarded streets near the city's air and sea ports. They looted and burnt vehicles before retreating as reinforcements arrived. More than 35 people have died since Thursday in clashes between rebels and allied Somali-Ethiopian troops.

The violence overshadowed UN-brokered peace talks between the interim government and opposition exiles that were due to begin on Saturday in Djibouti.