At least ten civilians have been killed and scores others wounded in fierce fighting and shelling between government forces and rebel fighters in Somali capital Mogadishu, witnesses said on Monday.

Mortar shells fired from government-held areas landed in rebels' strongholds of Hodan, Wardhigley and Yaqshid in north of Mogadishu , leading to heavy exchange of gunfire that continued for several hours on Sunday night and caused the death of the civilians.

"Mortar shells landed at the vegetable section of Bakara market, killing 5 civilians and injuring several others," said a woman who lives near Bakara in Hodan neighbourhood.

The shelling restarted again on Monday morning in Yaqshid and Wardhigley, claiming the lives of at least five civilians including three passengers of BL vehicle.

"A passenger vehicle passing near Afarta Jardino intersection came under Mortar attack. Three passengers were killed and 9 others injured," said an eyewitness.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest flare-ups, which come amid reports of government offensives against the powerful insurgents in Mogadishu .

The bullet-ravaged capital has been transformed into battlefield where rival forces launch daily attacks against each other, causing death and destruction mainly on innocent civilians.