World IN BRIEF : SOMALIA : Battle for Control Rages in Capital
Forces loyal to Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre were locked in a fierce battle with rebels and there was no clear sign of who had the upper hand. U.N. staff members evacuated from Somalia’s embattled capital, Mogadishu, to Nairobi said chaos reigned as Siad Barre fought to preserve his 21-year rule. Rebels claimed to have seized control of most of the city, but an earlier claim that they had taken over the state radio was apparently untrue. Italy said it was sending planes to evacuate Italians and other foreigners trapped in Somalia.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
