Govt declares war on opposition for “harboring terrorists”

Speaking to the state-run TV, Hundubey said the terrorists infiltrated into the opposition fighters and subsequently began to force civilians to flee from their neighborhoods in Howlwadag and Hodon areas.

News Keydmedia Online
27 April 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In what seems to be a declaration of war, the outgoing internal security minister of Somalia Hassan Hundubey has accused the opposition of sheltering terrorists in the capital.

Speaking to the state-run TV, Hundubey said the terrorists infiltrated into the opposition fighters and subsequently began to force civilians to flee from their neighborhoods in Howlwadag and Hodon areas.

Hundubey added that government will not wait and see the city fall, announcing that the troops are prepared to exercise their duties to clear those he described as militias who encourage terrorism.

“We don’t want to start a war in this Holy Month of Ramadan but if the terrorists continue to pose a threat to the national security, our forces are prepared to ensure the overall security in Mogadishu,” he said.

The minister did not provide evidence that Al-Shabaab is on the opposition side in the fight against the outgoing Somali government which is now facing a backlash over the term extension by the Lower House on April 12.

The minister’s remarks come a day after the caretaker PM Mohamed Hussein Roble has called for calm and dialogue to stop the escalating situation following Sunday night clashes in most parts of the city.

KEYDMEDIA English