​Somalia: Government forces exchange gunfire in Mogadishu, 5 killed

MOGADISHU, Somalia- At least five people were killed, and several injured when Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers exchanged fire in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Witnesses confirmed to GO that the clashes took place at the busy market near Seypiano area in Mogadishu's Hodon district, where is the stimulant leaves, locally known as Khat is sold.

It is not yet clear the exact reason behind the deadly shoot-out that claimed the lives of five people, including local traders in the market.

More than five people, among them pedestrians were critically wounded in the skirmish, and were immediately taken to the hospital, according to the witnesses who spoke to GO over the phone.

Somali Police officers later intervened to end the deadly clashes in the market.

There were several incidents when Somali Military, police and Intelligence soldiers clashed in Mogadishu over suspicion and quarrel on the demolition of disputed slums; subsequently triggering a gun battle.

Somali army commanders and Benadir regional administration officials did not comment so far on Wednesday's confrontation in the capital, which has seen increased security incidents in the past weeks. 

GAROWEONLINE