Scores of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and wounded since the allied forces began a ground and air offensive against insurgents in northern Mogadishu. Several Ethiopian soldiers have died, including two killed when their helicopter was shot down Friday.

Thursday's offensive shattered a ceasefire reached last week between Ethiopian forces and Mogadishu's powerful Hawiye clan. Ethiopia's Information Ministry said its troops have killed 200 insurgents since the offensive began. The claim could not be independently verified.

The International Committee of the Red Cross described the fighting as the worst in the capital in 15 years. - VOA News