There have been more attacks linked to rebel and government forces in Mogadishu, Somalia.

The remaining residents in the capital have begun to flee, with new clashes expected between the opposing sides.

Most people fleeing the capital are said to be heading for a camp about 30 kilometres south of Mogadishu, where many other displaced people already live.

The Transitional Federal Government has already announced it will launch an offensive against the Islamist opposition, who already control much of Mogadishu and most of southern Somalia.

The Western-backed government has been promising to drive back the rebels, with the nation's foreign affairs minister suggesting the offensive will begin very soon.

Government army personnel are said to be in position for an attack, with al Shabab fighters also reinforcing their battle lines.

Some reports say the government forces have already begun to shell al-Shabab controlled areas, with some civilians killed in the shelling.