MOGADISHU, Feb 12: Hundreds of people fled the Somali capital Mogadishu on Monday after two people were killed in the latest barrage of rebel rocket attacks and guerilla-style raids.

There was heavy shelling near the Villa Somalia residence of President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed in southern Mogadishu, where artillery fire lit up the night sky.

At least two people were killed in the attacks that demolished residential houses.

People fled the southern Mogadishu suburbs that came under attack with many leaving the capital altogether.

“We have been expecting peace and prosperity after the past 16 years but not flames of gunfire and fresh bloodshed,” said southern Mogadishu resident, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan.

“We have to look for safety for ourselves and for our children,” he added.

Other battle-weary residents echoed similar views after the shelling.

“A family was sleeping when a house was blown up by a heavy shell, I cannot tell what kind of weapon it was but it destroyed the house, killing a father and his son,” said Jeri Hassan, a neighbour of one of the houses attacked. Witnesses said gunmen also fired grenades into Madina police station in the capital, triggering a gun battle.—AFP