MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavily armed assailants launched a fierce overnight attack on the Iron Factory premises in Dayniile district, Mogadishu, just days after civilians were forcibly evicted from the site, local sources have confirmed.
According to witnesses, the attackers used heavy machine guns, including belt-fed “RPG” weapons, in an assault targeting government forces stationed at the factory, who were reportedly carrying out demolition operations.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods reported intense gunfire as the two sides exchanged fire in a brief but intense skirmish.
“It’s the second night in a row that people living near the industrial road are jolted awake by the deafening sounds of gunfire,” said Firdhiye Ahmed Jimale, a local resident. “May God protect us.”
Although no official casualty figures have been released, the attack has caused widespread fear and anxiety among the local population, particularly those living near the disputed property.
The situation on the ground remains tense, and Somali security officials have yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident.
The factory compound was visited earlier by several members of parliament representing the displaced residents. They strongly criticized the government’s handling of the evictions and the militarized presence at the site.
Tensions over land disputes in Mogadishu have been escalating in recent weeks, as mass evictions have swept through various government-controlled compounds, leaving hundreds of civilians without shelter or recourse.
