At least 8 people died Thursday in Somalia's violent capital, Mogadishu, after Islamist insurgents attacked African Union peacekeepers, Radio Garowe reports.

The fighting started around 5:30pm local time near KM4 area and expanded towards Bakara Market, witnesses said.

More than 10 wounded people were admitted to local hospitals for treatment, including civilians who were hurt in the exchange of shells between the rival sides.

An insurgent mortar intended for the Villa Somalia presidential compound missed its target and slammed into a house, killing four people inside, neighbors said.

The Islamist guerrilla group, Al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attacks.