Loud explosions and heavy gunfire were heard near Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu at around 7:00 p.m. on Friday, sparking widespread panic and confusion across the Somali capital.
The sounds of repeated explosions and sustained gunfire were heard in several districts of Mogadishu, prompting many residents to fear that Al-Shabaab had launched an attack or that fighting had erupted involving government forces. As the blasts echoed across the city, people flooded social media and contacted relatives and friends in an effort to determine what was unfolding.
Witnesses also reported seeing bright flashes illuminating the sky above the airport area. The lights were later understood to have originated from military illumination flares and other equipment commonly used during nighttime military exercises.
Following growing public concern, the Banadir Regional Police Command issued a statement confirming that the explosions and gunfire were not related to a terrorist attack or any security incident.
Police explained that the noise resulted from a planned military training exercise conducted by Somali security forces and stressed that there was no threat to public safety. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could fuel unnecessary panic.
Although military drills are periodically conducted in Mogadishu, many residents said Friday night’s exercise was significantly louder than previous ones, leading some families to temporarily leave their homes or prepare for a possible emergency.
Several residents also called on security authorities to conduct exercises involving heavy weapons and explosives in areas away from densely populated neighborhoods, arguing that such drills can cause fear, psychological distress, and disruption, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with medical conditions.
Mogadishu has remained on high alert in recent years due to the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, whose attacks have made residents particularly sensitive to the sound of explosions and gunfire. As a result, even routine military exercises can trigger widespread alarm until authorities clarify the situation.
No casualties or property damage were reported, and calm gradually returned to the city after police confirmed that the sounds were part of a scheduled military exercise.