Mogadishu residents flee as tensions escalate

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The boiling tensions which have seen the exchange of heavy weaponry between opposition and government forces have uprooted hundreds of families from their homes as the city inches closer to full-scale fighting.

A spot check by Goobjoog News in Bondheere, Wardigley, Hodan and Howlwadag districts which are mainly under government control reveals displacement of populations and apprehension among locals.

Residents could be seen packing their household items in autorickshaws, public transport vans and private vehicles as many headed towards the outskirts of the city.

Opposition allied militias have taken positions in northern Mogadishu districts and parts of Hodan and Daynile districts as the government shipped in more troops from the regions. Traders have kept off their premises in several parts of the city for fear of being caught in the skirmishes.

Virtually all universities in Mogadishu which count for over 40 announced the closure of their campuses on Sunday until further notice.