Somali and AU Troops Attack Mogadishu Rebel Positions

African Union-backed Somali government forces launched a fresh offensive Friday to seize holdout Islamist Shebab positions in the war-torn capital Mogadishu, officials and witnesses said.

Heavy fighting broke out as troops supported by tanks and artillery from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) moved into the capital's northern Heliwa and Gubta suburbs, still held by the al-Qaida linked Shebab.

"The government forces assisted by AMISOM peacekeepers took control of the small part in northern Mogadishu where violent elements have remained," Somali military commander Abdulahi Ali told reporters.

Hardline Shebeb fighters abandoned fixed positions in most of Mogadishu last August but continue to surround the city, as well as controlling small pockets on the outskirts.

The fighters have instead largely switched to guerrilla tactics in Mogadishu, launching a string of attacks including roadside bombs and grenade explosions against the Western-backed government and AU troops.

"This is a final military offensive to eliminate terrorists from the city," Ali said, adding there were no casualties on the government side so far.

"There was heavy fighting -- we saw AMISOM troops alongside tanks and TFG (government) forces advancing onto Heliwa and Gubta areas, al-Shebab fighters were returning fire but they were pushed back," said Ahmed Samow, a witness.

"AMISOM is firing heavy artillery and I saw many troops moving deep into the areas that have remained in al-Shebab hands," said Samiro Abdulkadir, another witness.

Shebab commanders confirmed the fighting but declined to give details.

Regional armies are pushing against Shebab positions in Somalia, with Kenyan forces in the far south, Ethiopian soldiers in the west and African Union forces in Mogadishu made up of troops from Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti.