Tension High in Mogadishu After Overnight Gunfire
Tension remains high in the capital of Somalia after heavy gunfire erupted overnight, linked to clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned militias.
The fighting began on Wednesday evening and continued into the early hours, with exchanges of gunfire reported in several districts of Mogadishu.
Residents described hearing heavy weapons fire and explosions, forcing many civilians to flee their homes in search of safety, while some properties were damaged during the clashes.
The violence is reportedly tied to rising political tensions, including disputes over constitutional changes and the extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s tenure, which has triggered planned anti-government protests.
While no official casualty figures have been confirmed, international bodies including the United Nations and the United States have called for restraint, warning that the situation could further destabilize the country.
The incident highlights ongoing instability in Somalia, where political disputes and security challenges continue to fuel periodic outbreaks of violence in the capital.
