MOGADISHU – Earlier today, there was an erupting tension in Abdiaziz district-Mogadishu, where a shootout broke out between the government security forces and an armed group which is said to be led by a police officer.
Locals and available sources explained that the clashes were in Neero area, adjacent to Mirinaayo, at a residential place, over which there was a prior dispute regarding ownership. While a court had previously directed that no construction work go on that ground, many residents are recently reported carrying out work on the same property reportedly following an advancing judicial order.
Eyewitnesses said police who were on their way failed in their mission of executing an initial court order on an injunction against the construction when an armed confrontation erupted into a gunfire exchange. Most of those who suffered injuries from the shootout, it is said, include the police station commanders of Abdiaziz and Karaan districts who were probably caught up amidst the crossfire.
An intervention by security operatives quickly averted the situation, and after a while, government forces managed to restore order. Two detainees of that armed group were arrested, but the police officer believed overtly to have led the resistance eluded arrest.
Order is said to have returned to the area by late afternoon with security forces guarding the disputed property, but residents are still on edge fearing further clashes since tensions over land and property disputes remain a constant headache in Mogadishu.