In Somalia, fifty people, many of them fighters, were killed yesterday in clashes. The deaths came as Somali government forces backed by African Union troops launched a fresh offensive against Al Qaeda-inspired rebels. Ali Muse, head of the Mogadishu ambulance service said, they have counted at least twenty civilians killed. Officials in Somalia say government and African Union troops have captured three bases from insurgents in the capital Mogadishu. Government officials told newsmen yesterday that fighting will continue until the militant group al-Shabab is driven from the city. The government says troops have captured the former Defense Ministry building which rebels were using as a major base and also had made gains in the Shirkole neighborhood. Pro-government forces also claim advances along the Industrial Road which leads to the Bakara market, an insurgent stronghold.