NAIROBI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of people have been killed in Somalia after efforts to mediate peace between the warring factions failed as Islamist militia and troops of the interim government continue to pound each other around Idale town, 70 km southwest of Baidoa.

    Engulfed with fear, thousands of Somali residents have taken to their heels.

    Aid agencies said Saturday dozens of civilians have been killed, at least 200 wounded, and many more have been driven from their homes as fighting continues around the southern Somali town of Baidoa.

    "We are very concerned about the plight of civilians who might get caught up in the fighting," said Pascal Hundt, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement on Saturday.

    "We call on all parties involved in the clashes to spare and protect civilians and to take every precaution when conducting military operations," Hundt added as officials of the interim government confirmed that although their troops have gained upper hand over the Islamists, they lost six soldiers in the heavy battle.

    Islamists countered that they were winning the war at all levels. A countdown between the Islamists based in Mogadishu and the Baidoa-based interim government therefore seems to be in the making.

    "Our forces in Idale area have killed dozens of Islamists and are making advance towards Dinsor town to clear all the terrorists from the country," Salad Ali Jelle, the Deputy Defense Minister of Baidoa government said late Friday.

    He further accused the Islamic militia of being tasty for war, but claimed it was at the brink of collapse.

    Jelle said his government troops had killed 700 of the Islamic fighters, who were now "trapped" in Dinsor town, 130 km southwest of Baidoa.