MOGADISHU (SD) – Several people have been injured after security forces opened fire to disperse opposition demonstrators in Mogadishu.

The demonstrations which kicked off early today near the city airport was broken up by the government forces, prompting brief gunfire with the bodyguards of the opposition.

During the clashes, several motor shells landed inside the airport.

According to paramedics in the capital, number of wounded civilians who were injured in crossfire were ferried to different hospital in the capital.

The opposition leaders who held press conference have accused the government led by president Farmajo of blocking the peaceful demonstrations expected to take place at the monument of the unknown soldier.

Call for calm

Somali government did not comment on the clashes in capital.

In separate statements, UN and US have urged an end to all violence and reminded all parties of their commitment to immediately conclude an FGS-FMS agreement on election implementation.

“UN in Somalia notes that the clashes in Mogadishu underscore the urgent need for Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to come together to reach political agreement on the implementation of the 17 September electoral model,” UN statement reads in part.