Somalian government soldiers have fought a prolonged battle against insurgents, killing at least 14 civilians.

The gun battle followed Tuesday's suicide car bomb attack on an African Union base in Mogadishu.

Troops and AU vehicles were seen moving at the scene of the bombing shortly after the attack. Insurgents, then opened fire on government soldiers and other allied militia.

The clash sparked a four-hour battle with both sides exchanging mortars. Somalia, has been without a functioning government for almost 20 years, and militants control large parts of Mogadishu.

Insurgents have been trying for three years to overthrow the fragile, UN-backed government.