MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Heavy fighting involving various weapons erupted moments ago in parts of Mogadishu, with intense gunfire and explosions reported in neighborhoods near key government facilities, particularly in the Hodan and Howlwadaag districts and around the Dabka intersection.
Kaab TV reporters and eyewitnesses in the affected areas said sustained heavy gunfire was ongoing across several neighborhoods as panic spread among residents and movement in parts of the capital came to a near standstill.
Preliminary reports indicate that the clashes involve forces of the Federal Government of Somalia and armed personnel loyal to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who were reportedly stationed at the residence of Member of Parliament Jaafar located along the road connecting the Dabka and Bakara Market intersections.
The fighting is taking place not far from Villa Somalia, raising fears that the security situation in the capital could deteriorate further if the clashes are not quickly contained.
Sounds of explosions and heavy weapons fire have been heard across several districts of Mogadishu, while unconfirmed reports suggest that both sides are using military vehicles and heavy weaponry during the confrontation.
The clashes come amid escalating political tensions in the Somali capital in recent days. The federal government had recently designated specific locations for planned opposition demonstrations, while security forces were heavily deployed across major roads and strategic areas of Mogadishu.
Opposition groups had also been carrying out political mobilization efforts linked to planned protests and ongoing disputes over Somalia’s political and electoral process. No official statement has yet been issued by either the government or opposition leaders regarding the latest fighting.