Somalia: Civilians wounded in Mogadishu clashes

MOGADISHU, Somalia- At least two civilians were reported to have been injured in an armed clash between Somali government forces and gunmen in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

The fight broke out after security forces tasked with Mogadishu's stabilization mission tried to disarm gunmen dressed in military uniform manning an illegal checkpoint at Hawo Tako area in Wadajir district.

A witness has confirmed to GO that two pedestrians were wounded in the confrontation. Security officials said one of the gunmen was detained during the disarmament operation, while others are at large.

The situation has returned to normal momentarily after the gunfight. 

Tuesday's skirmish in Mogadishu comes as former warlord and Wadajir district commissioner Ahmed Da'i rejects to hand over his arms to the Federal government, and calling to disarm al-Shabaab at first.

The Federal government has formed a new task force who are in charge of an ongoing stabilization mission, aimed at preventing al-Shabaab from carrying out terror attacks in the capital during the holy month of Ramadan.

Last week, the joint forces comprising of Police, Military and Intelligence units have launched a massive operation that has netted guns, explosives and army uniforms in the city that is awash with weapons.

GAROWEONLINE