An Ethiopian soldier and three civilians have been killed in fresh fighting in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

The renewed fighting on Friday has worsened the growing humanitarian crisis in the country, after nearly 90,000 people fled fighting earlier this week.

Somalia's interim government, supported by Ethiopian troops, are attempting to rid Mogadishu of armed opponents.

An Ethiopian soldier died in fighting that erupted when his colleagues raided a fighters' hideout in al-Baraka neighborhood in southern Mogadishu.

"I have seen the body of an Ethiopian soldier at al-Baraka junction. Another soldier was wounded on the leg," a resident said.

Fighting at dawn

At least three civilians were also killed and four wounded by stray bullets and shrapnel from artillery strikes, residents and local media said.

The fighting broke out at dawn and later settled down, although intermittent blasts of gunfire could be heard across the city.

On Thursday, the UN said about 88,000 Mogadishu residents had fled the city after three days of fighting.

The UN said 46,000 of the displaced people have now taken refuge on the road linking Mogadishu to Afgooye, 30km to the west of the capital.

Another 42,000 have moved to safer neighborhoods in the capital or areas outside Mogadishu, the UN said.

An unprecedented statement by 39 aid agencies on Thursday said that they were unable to effectively respond to the unfolding "humanitarian crisis" in Somalia, caused by insecurity in the country.

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Ethiopian troops