But for the Somali civilians left in the city, Mr. Osman's fight for supremacy makes no sense.

Somali civilians suffered heavy casualties due to the dense urban character of that portion of Mogadishu.

The international relief agency, Care, called on the United Nations to stop killing Somali civilians or risk alienating the people it aims to help.

General Aidid has denied involvement in the attacks, and has contended instead that the Pakistani troops attacked innocent Somali civilians.

Four Somali civilians also died in the attacks, which wounded 40 people.

It paints a devastating, bleak, and upsetting portrait of life for Somali civilians under the Shabbab.

Mr. Aidid has denied involvement and contends that the Pakistani troops attacked innocent Somali civilians.

Humanitarian organisations are severely hampered in their efforts to help Somali civilians and are experiencing attacks, theft and obstruction at checkpoints.

A further 19 Somali civilians were killed in the shelling that followed.

Twenty-four Pakistanis and about 20 Somali civilians were killed in the exchange in June 1993.