The Somali Federal Government has announced that its security forces are currently carrying out wide security operations in the capital, Mogadishu. These operations are targeting armed groups that were involved in mortar attacks launched on several villages in Mogadishu. Banadir regional police boss, Mahdi Omar Mumin, revealed that the operations are coming to an end and that they are currently searching for militia men armed with heavy weapons who launched an attack on areas where civilians live. Mumin further disclosed that these groups are based in areas where opposition figures are living and accused them of being responsible for organizing attacks. He called on civilians to stay away from areas where the operations are taking place and urged them to cooperate with security agencies. These security officials assert that what is going on in Mogadishu is not a peaceful protest, but a security incident that the security forces are working to bring to an end. On the other hand, the former Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire, has accused the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of carrying out an attack in Mogadishu. Khaire claims that the attack is targeting him, other politicians, and traditional elders who are involved in the mediation process. In a statement, Khaire wrote that the attacks, which involved heavy weapons, continued for more than 20 hours and that the government cut off services, including electricity supply. He described these actions as “war crimes” and called on security forces to disobey any illegal orders. Khaire also stated that he and his supporters will defend themselves and called on the international community and countries that support Somalia to immediately intervene in the worsening situation. However, the situation in Mogadishu remains tense today as fighting between government forces and opposition groups continues. The UK government has expressed deep concern over the violence and armed confrontations in the capital. In a statement released by the UK embassy in Mogadishu, the UK called on all parties involved to show self-restraint and engage in inclusive and effective dialogue to resolve the tensions. The statement also emphasized that violence is unacceptable and that all parties must refrain from actions that could escalate the situation. The UK’s announcement comes at a time when there are increasing political and security tensions in Mogadishu, causing internal and external concerns. The governments and international friends of Somalia have repeatedly called for political differences to be resolved through dialogue to prevent the situation from turning into a large-scale crisis that could affect the security and stability of the country. The United States government has also issued a warning, stating that the actions taking place in the coming hours and days could have major implications on the security, unity, and future of Somalia. In a statement issued by the US embassy in Somalia, the US emphasized that violence is a threat to the stability of the country and that political parties must prioritize finding a peaceful solution. The embassy also warned that decisions made in the coming hours and days could have long-term consequences for the security, unity, and future of Somalia.
