MOGADISHU, (insidesomalia.org)- Witnesses say suspected Islamic insurgents have set off an explosion that has killed at least five soldiers in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

Mogadishu resident Hassan Mohamed says he saw the bodies of two Somali soldiers and three Ethiopians.

There was no immediate confirmation from the government or the rebels.

Mohamed said Ethiopian forces opened fire in the confusion following Tuesday's deadly blast, but said he ran off before he could see whether anyone was hit.

Safiya Ali, who lives nearby, said she saw more Ethiopian reinforcements seal off the area to collect their dead and wounded.

Insurgents launch almost daily attacks on Ethiopian forces propping up Somalia's shaky transitional government.

The Ethiopians have been in Somalia since spearheading a U.S.-backed invasion in late 2006 that toppled an Islamic government in Mogadishu.

Peace talks that began last week stalled without any significant dialogue between the two sides.

Earlier this month the rebels vowed to step up attacks to avenge the death of Hashi Aden Ayro, leader of the Islamic al-Shabab militia who was killed in a U.S. missile strike in central Somalia.