Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests
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Fighting erupted in Mogadishu between Somali government troops and opposition-allied militias ahead of planned anti-government protests. The violence was sparked by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's controversial decision to extend his term after it expired last month. Witnesses reported property damage and civilians fleeing the conflict as international observers called for restraint and dialogue.
- ▪Government troops and opposition-allied militias exchanged fire in Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing civilians to flee.
- ▪The violence coincided with protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to extend his term.
- ▪Former leaders accused the government of using heavy weapons against civilians and targeting opposition figures.
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World Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests Government troops and militias allied with the opposition exchanged fire overnight and on Thursday morning in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing some civilians to flee, residents told Reuters. By Reuters 4 Jun 2026 Somali government soldiers are seen aboard a pickup truck at a military base in Afgoye district, some 30km northwest of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, 08 August 2012. Backed by 12,000-strong African Union forces, Somalia's western-backed government has in recent months taken control of a series of key strongholds, including the capital Mogadishu from the hardline Islamist militants al-Shabab.
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