At least five people were killed and several wounded during clashes between government forces and armed civilians resisting evictions in Mogadishu.
Fighting broke out before dawn near Tarabunka after troops tried to evict families from disputed state-owned land in Hodan district.
Government forces came under attack by armed civilians, sparking hours of intense fighting in the area near the Horseed military camp.
Videos on social media show soldiers continuing operations while armed residents hold strong defensive positions amid heavy clashes.
Casualties include civilians, security personnel, and local militias. Among the injured is Mire Sahal, commander of a military police unit.
The situation remained tense as police reinforcements arrived to restore order and secure the neighborhood.
“Security forces conducted an operation to seize illegal weapons, but armed militias violently resisted,” police said in a statement.
They also extended condolences to affected families and wished speedy recovery to the injured as they secured the area.
The violence follows growing public anger over evictions, with many accusing the government of handing land to businessmen for profit.
