Foreign Islamists On the Verge of Over- Running Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 23 (UPI) -- A state of emergency has been declared in Somalia following the deaths of 12 people in clashes between pro-government forces and insurgents in Mogadishu.

The confrontation began Sunday and continued into Monday, with the heaviest clashes in the Yaaqshiid and Kaaraan districts of Somalia's capital city, Radio Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, reported Tuesday.

"A lot of civilians are stuck in neighborhoods where water and electricity are cut off," witness Halimo Da'ud told the broadcaster.

Interim President Sheik Sharif Ahmed told a news conference his country had been "attacked by foreign fighters."

"After reviewing the situation in Somalia, we have decided to declare a state of emergency because the country is on the verge of being overrun by foreign fighters opposed to the Somali nation," Sharif said.

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