Heavy fighting broke out in the Somali capital Mogadishu, on Friday, around 16:00 local time, after faction leader Husayn Muhammad Aydid entered the former port. A battle between the opposition leader and militia guarding the port for the Transitional National Government (TNG) escalated into the bloodiest fighting experienced in Mogadishu over the last few years, and constitutes the biggest challenge yet to the interim government.

The Health Ministry of the Somali Transitional Government has currently undertaken a health program aimed at orientating the public towards the dangers of AIDS for the human being.

Amnesty International today condemned the kidnapping of several humanitarian aid workers in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, and expressed concern for the safety of those still held by a local militia.