MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Supporters of opposition political figures and state security forces fought in armed clashes Thursday that erupted in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Wednesday evening ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration.No official casualty figures were immediately available from the violence that prompted calls for restraint from the United Nations and the United States as the government and opposition traded blame for the violence.Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions as fighting broke out in several neighborhoods Wednesday.“We heard heavy weapons fire, and people were fleeing their homes,” said Abdullahi Mohamed, who lives in the city’s Howlwadaag district. “Many families left the area looking for safer places.”Opposition figures say the rally planned for Thursday was intended to protest what they call constitutional violations and efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his tenure. The government has rejected those allegations.
Mogadishu police said the violence stemmed from “organized attacks” carried out by armed militias linked to groups pursuing political interests.
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