By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Somali Police Force and opposition leaders traded blame Wednesday afternoon for fighting in Mogadishu's Howlwadaag district.
A statement from the Somali Police Force said officers carrying out their security duties were attacked at a checkpoint. He accused a group he described as “armed militia” of attacking police officers and an area where civilians were present.
Police said heavy weapons were used in the attack, including shoulder-fired weapons. The statement added that police responded to the assault while taking precautions to prevent harm to civilians living near the area.
“The Somali Police Force stands for the protection of the security of the Somali people, and anyone acting against public security will face legal action,” the statement said.
Related articles
Opposition figures had earlier accused the government of attacking a house where former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre was present. They said the incident occurred while they were holding meetings related to a planned protest in Mogadishu.
Khayre, in a post on his Facebook page, said government forces attacked them while he was meeting with the traditional leader of the Murusade clan.
The fighting comes as political tension remains high in Mogadishu over an opposition protest planned in the capital on Thursday. The Banadir Regional Administration has said the protest can only be held at locations designated by the government.