MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – A surge of violence gripped Somali capital, Mogadishu from midnight Friday to Saturday morning, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries as heavy fighting and mortar shelling erupted between two factions of the Somali state security forces, divided along clan divisions.
The conflict erupted following a raid by intelligence and police officers on the residence of an armed military commander known as General Sheegow at Kaawo Godey neigborhood in Dharkenley district. The incident sparked clashes that escalated rapidly into several neigborhoods.
Mortar shells struck various parts of Mogadishu, including the city’s airport and residential areas in Dayniile and Wadajir. A primary school situated near the Buulo Xuubey neighbourhood resulted at least two children injured.
#BREAKING: A surge of violence gripped Mogadishu from midnight Friday to Saturday morning, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries as heavy fighting and mortar shelling erupted between two factions of the #Somali state security forces, aligned along clan divisions.
The… pic.twitter.com/hGX5uYtbWN
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) August 19, 2023
According to Sidiiq Dodishe, the police spokesperson, the national intelligence and police officers engaged in combat with armed soldiers belonging to the military. The clashes commenced on Friday night and extended through Saturday morning.
“We have successfully apprehended Sheegow and his accompanying armed group. Presently, we are holding around 25 detainees from the incident. Unfortunately, three officers lost their lives, and an additional 11 sustained injuries from both sides,” he conveyed.
General Sheegow Ahmed, hailing from the 21st brigade of the Somali National Army, was in command of the military personnel. On the other side, the police contingent, led by Mogadishu police commander Moalim Mahdi. These two commanders come from rival clans.
Photos shared on social media on Saturday morning depicted individuals resembling prisoners being subjected to beatings and paraded on the streets.
A separate gunfight unfolded along the Afgoye-Mogadishu corridor in the Ceelasha Biyaha and Arbacow area. Suspected members of the Al-Shabaab militant group reportedly attacked a military base, leading to an exchange of gunfire. However, exact casualty figures are currently undisclosed.