Somalia (Dawan Africa), 5 June 2026 – At least 13 people were killed, 189 injured and approximately 12,500 households displaced following recent armed clashes in Mogadishu, according to a Protection of Civilians (PoC) note prepared by the Protection Cluster and UNHCR Somalia.
The assessment said intense fighting erupted on the evening of June 3 between Somali Federal Government forces and an opposition-affiliated armed group, triggering immediate civilian protection concerns.
According to the report, the clashes began near Dabka Junction before spreading into densely populated areas, including Howlwadaag, Cabdicasiis, Hodan, Wardhiigley and parts of Kaaraan district.
Preliminary figures cited in the note indicate that around 12,500 households were displaced. Those affected include women, children, older persons, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups with specific protection needs. Refugees and asylum seekers were also among those forced to flee.
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The report said civilians were unable to evacuate from several locations during the fighting, increasing their exposure to harm.
Protection agencies warned that the escalation of violence in densely populated urban areas had created a multidimensional protection crisis, with risks ranging from death and injury in residential neighbourhoods to damage to civilian infrastructure, unsafe shelter conditions and reduced access to humanitarian assistance.
The note called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including obligations to distinguish between civilians and combatants, protect civilian infrastructure and facilitate safe humanitarian access.