Heavy fighting broke out on Thursday in the vicinity of Tarabuunka Junction in Mogadishu, pitting Somali government forces against an armed militia group.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the confrontation began after government troops attempted to evict the Soomaaliya Football Club from land reportedly owned by the military. The eviction order quickly escalated into an armed standoff, with both sides exchanging heavy gunfire.
The clashes, which erupted in the morning and flared intermittently throughout the day, left several people dead or injured, though exact casualty figures have yet to be confirmed. Medical teams have been seen rushing to the scene, while some injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Local residents described the situation as tense and chaotic, with the fighting bringing pedestrian and vehicular movement to a standstill. Businesses in the surrounding area were forced to close, and commuters were left stranded as security forces cordoned off key access roads around the junction.
The incident has sparked concerns among Mogadishu residents, as Tarabuunka Junction is a critical traffic hub linking several major districts of the capital. The area also holds symbolic significance, being in close proximity to important government and military facilities.
As of Thursday evening, security forces remained deployed in large numbers, and sporadic gunfire could still be heard in parts of the neighborhood. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the dispute or the number of casualties.
Further updates are expected as the situation continues to develop.
