Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed

Armed clashes between supporters of opposition figures and state security forces erupted in Mogadishu ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. The government accused armed militias of organized attacks, while opposition leaders claimed security forces targeted their peaceful gatherings. The UN and U.S. called for restraint and condemned the violence.

Armed clashes erupted in Somalia's capital Mogadishu ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration, with opposition supporters and security forces exchanging fire. The United Nations and the United States urged restraint as the government and opposition accused each other of inciting violence, with police attributing the attacks to organized militias and opposition leaders alleging targeted attacks on their residences.