World IN BRIEF : SOMALIA : 19 Killed, 47 Hurt as Warlords Battle

Rival militias battled with mortars and automatic weapons in the streets of Mogadishu, killing at least 19 people and wounding 47. The fighting erupted early between fighters of Gen. Mohammed Farah Aidid and those of Osman Hassan Ali, also known as “Atto.” It was difficult to assess the precise number of casualties. A local journalist reported that at least 19 fighters were killed, and hospitals reported treating 47 wounded. Atto is Aidid’s former financier and advisor. A year ago, Atto ousted Aidid as chairman of the Somali National Alliance. Aidid responded by naming himself president. He has since spurned negotiations with other factions.