Mogadishu Still Dangerous After Open Fighting Ceases

"At that time, we knew where to run to and where to run from, but now we don't know when we will be get caught in a shootout or roadside bomb or grenade attack against government forces," Nor explained.

The increasing random killing of both Somalia government security forces and civilians in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia for the past two days, illustrates the tenuous security situation in the capital and causes residents in the city to live in virtual fear for their lives.

One government soldier was killed Tuesday in Black Sea neighborhood in Mogadishu after unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of government soldiers based in the area, eyewitnesses said. According to Ethiopian soldiers, a civilian was also shot dead by Ethiopian troops stationed in Huruwa District of Mogadishu after he ignored orders to stop as he approached a check point.

As dusk falls, people retreat to their homes and observe self imposed-curfew. Men dressed in government uniforms ask people to stop before robbing them of their belongings, and if they resist, they risk being shot.

"My family and I remain indoors from 6 p.m. these days. We listen to the radio or watch TV. This is not time for going outside. The blood of human beings is getting cheaper here by the day," Says Ahmed Qalinle, a father of four. "We are confused. We don't know who is the government or the gang, sine they all wear the same uniform and they all kill and rob."

Two men wearing army uniform were killed Monday during a gun battle with government soldiers, who accused them of robbing people in northern Mogadishu of mobile phones and money.

Abdillahi Mohammed Roble, Commissioner of Karan District, north Mogadishu, said four others in the gang were arrested.

"One single unintended shot can trigger a shoot out in the street and cause the death of innocent people," said a Kiosk owner who refused to be named.

"The other day, a man stepped on an inflated plastic bag which exploded and a soldier passing by indiscriminately opened fire because he thought he was under attack, but fortunately no one was injured," he said.

Government forces blame insurgents of using military uniform to commit crimes. Abdi Hassan Awale Qaybdiid, the National Police chief, said in a recent radio interview that the government is concerned about the upsurge in violence by men in uniform.

"We know who they are and we will deal with them," Qaybdiid said. "No one except government forces is allowed to wear the uniform."

Despite the reassurance from government officials, people in Mogadishu face the daily reality of violence in the streets of the city and have created their way of dealing with it, remaining indoors.

Source: Xinhua

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