A Somalia's government soldier aims his weapon during fighting between Islamist insurgents and government troops in Wardhigley district of southern Mogadishu December 6, 2010.

Somalia's government soldiers take their positions during fighting between Islamist insurgents and government troops in Wardhigley district of southern Mogadishu December 6, 2010. About 8,000 African Union troops protecting Somalia's government from Islamist rebels are now deployed in Mogadishu, scene of sustained fighting this week, a spokesman for the force said last Thursday.