Saturday February 18, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Two units of Somali government security services clashed at the main intersection near Sinai market, an open-air produce market in Mogadishu, on Saturday, resulting in at least two soldiers being seriously wounded and road closures in the area.
Two civilians -a passerby and a khat vendor - were also injured in the brief gunfight. Initial reports suggest that the clash began when the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) forces attempted to block Somali National Army (SNA) forces from bypassing their checkpoint.
Fighting between various branches of Somalia's government security forces has been a long-standing issue. The SNA, NISA, and police operate with different command structures, resulting in disputes and clashes over jurisdiction and control. Over the last few years, conflicts between the SNA and NISA have arisen from various issues, including arrests, checkpoints, and allegations of corruption.
Security experts have long called for clear lines of communication and coordination between different security forces to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and clashes.