US warns citizens against travel to Somalia over outbreak of violence

US warns citizens against travel to Somalia over outbreak of violence

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday April 26, 2021

MOGADISHU (HOL) –  The US Government has warned its citizens against traveling to Somalia following the outbreak of violence and the ongoing security risks in the country.

The state department said in its latest travel advisory Somalia remained a dangerous place for its citizens warning against travel to the Horn of Africa nation.
It cited the violence which broke out on Sunday  between government forces and militias allied to the opposition.

The US Government also noted  improvised explosive devices (IED) attacks have risen significantly in Mogadishu since the beginning of the year compared to last year.

“The security situation has deteriorated in the last few months. March saw the highest number of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Mogadishu since September 2019,” the advisory read in part. “ Mogadishu has experienced one suicide vehicle-borne IED each month in 2021 compared to six for the entirety of 2020.”

An ongoing political impasse in Somalia led to a significant outbreak of violence in Mogadishu between government and opposition-affiliated forces on April 25, 2021, the US Government added noting the fighting involved the use of heavy weapons including explosives.

Calm returned in Mogadishu Monday following deadly clashes between government forces and opposition militias Sunday.

The militias held control of districts in northern Mogadishu and Daynile district amid fears of resumption of violence.

The UN, regional bloc IGAD and the UK among foreign and local voices warned against the escalation of violence and called for restraint among parties to the violence.