MOGADISHU — Hundreds of residents reportedly fled the Tiintiinley neighborhood in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district on Monday night amid rising security tensions after former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said government forces had surrounded the area where he lives.
Residents reportedly left their homes fearing that the escalating situation could trigger armed clashes and endanger civilians.
The tensions intensified after Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) accused armed groups allegedly linked to the former president of attacking government security forces.
In a statement, NISA said members of its Public Guard forces had come under attack near Laanta Koowaad in the General Da’uud section of Wadajir district. The agency alleged that the armed individuals were acting under the command of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, meanwhile, said government forces had surrounded the neighborhood, raising concerns about a possible confrontation.
The conflicting accounts have heightened uncertainty in the area, prompting residents to leave their homes amid fears of violence. The situation has also raised concerns about the safety of civilians living in the densely populated neighborhood.
As of the latest available information, the number of displaced families, their destinations, and any casualties or property damage had not been confirmed.
The security situation remains developing, with further information needed to establish the full circumstances surrounding the reported incidents.
