Latest news on the clashes ongoing in Mogadishu

Latest news on the clashes ongoing in Mogadishu

Reports from the city of Mogadishu indicate that since yesterday afternoon, sporadic clashes have occurred in the districts of Hawlwadaag and Cabdicasiis.

The clashes are taking place between government forces and the guards of some of the opposition politicians present in Mogadishu.

There are still military movements in the city, particularly in the areas where the clashes have occurred.

The official casualties from these conflicts are still unclear. Residents of Mogadishu, especially in the neighborhoods where the clashes took place, reported hearing sporadic gunfire this morning.

What have the government security agencies said about these clashes?

The Police Chief of Banaadir region, Mahdi Cumar Muumin, stated in a written message posted on his Facebook page that 'the forces are engaged in ending an operation he described as "being conducted by the Capital Security Agencies, aimed at identifying militias armed with heavy weapons, who have attacked some neighborhoods of the capital".

According to the police chief, there is no safe space for gathering, urging people to "be cautious of organized armed actions that threaten security and stability, and to cooperate with the Security Agencies to ensure complete security and stability," he said in the statement.

The spokesperson for the Somali Police Force, Gaashaanle Cabdifitaax Aadan, also held a press conference in Mogadishu last night, where he reported what he described as gunfire heard in parts of the Howlwadaag district.

The spokesperson stated that "a group of militias organized in a manner contrary to security attacked government forces stationed at a checkpoint".

He also mentioned that the forces responded to this action while being careful to avoid civilian casualties.

The fighting was reported to have initially started from the house where former Prime Minister Xasan Caliu Kheyre resides in Mogadishu.