Government troops and militias allied with the opposition engaged in violent clashes overnight and on Thursday morning in Mogadishu. The fighting, which broke out in the Howlwadag and Abdiasis districts, forced civilians to flee their homes and resulted in significant property damage. Residents described the gun battles as the worst fighting the capital has seen in years.
The violence erupted ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations protesting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to remain in office after his term expired in May. In March, parliament supported constitutional changes that could potentially allow the president to extend his term by one year and delay the scheduled election.
Witnesses reported that at least two armoured vehicles were burnt and a house was set ablaze. One resident reported that a mortar shell injured a mother. Meanwhile, former Somali Prime Minister Khaire has accused government forces of attacking him prior to the planned protests.
Thousands of government troops were deployed across the city during the skirmishes. Somalia's information and defence ministers were unavailable for comment and did not respond to inquiries regarding the unrest.