Residents of Mogadishu flock at a public transport terminus as they join a mass exodus triggered by spiralling violence in Somalia's capital February 21, 2007

Mortar bombs have hit Mogadishu's international airport, as violence continues to escalate in the Somali capital.

At least two mortar rounds landed near the airport's runway Thursday.  Witnesses say no one was injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, officials say unknown gunmen shot dead two local government officials in the capital late Wednesday.

Violence has gradually increased in Mogadishu since Ethiopian and Somali government troops drove Islamist forces from the capital last year.  Since then, insurgents have mounted frequent attacks, which have killed many people, mainly civilians.

Hundreds of families have fled the city for safer areas.

Officials blame the attacks on remnants of the Islamist movement.  Various Islamist leaders have pledged to fight on against the government and a planned African Union peacekeeping force.

Burundi, Uganda, and Nigeria are some of the countries that have pledged troops for the force.  Burundi has said an advance contingent of its troops could arrive in Somalia within the next few days.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.