Somalia: Tension in Mogadishu as military clashes with police officers

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Tension has gripped Mogadishu, the Somali capital, following Thursday morning clashes between Somali National Army [SNA] and the elite Haramcad police officers, in the latest development which could complicate security fortunes in Somalia.

Eyewitnesses said the clashes between the two components of the police force exchanged fire within the Banadir region, leaving eight people critically injured. Among those, wounded were five civilians and five soldiers.

Both sides of the security forces suffered injuries, sources added. The injured officers and civilians have since been rushed to the nearby hospitals for proper medical attention, officials said without giving many details.

According to reports, the scuffle was triggered by a disputed land within the city, leading to a bloody gunfight. There were no immediate details on why the security forces would fight over a piece of land within the capital.

Among the injured is Haram’ad commander Abdihamid Abdullahi Fanah. There was no immediate comment from the authorities, but it's not the first time the two entities are clashing within the capital over untold differences.

The SNA troops man most parts of the Somali capital Mogadishu, due to the Al-Shabaab threat, and are closely assisted by the African Union Mission Forces [AMISOM]. On the other hand, the Haramcad police officers also take part in serious operations.

Haramcad police officers get intensive training in Turkey before being deployed just like Gorgor troops within the SNA. The two teams have often been accused of making security issues a partisan matter, contrary to the code of conduct.

The clashes come at the time Somalia is undergoing challenges within the security sector, including but not limited to the most recent changes in NISA. Also, the Al-Shabaab have been attacking Mogadishu, with the latest coming early this week within Mogadishu where 11 people died.

GAROWE ONLINE