As Somalia's unrest continues, US says it's 'prepared to consider all available tools'

As rival factions in Somalia's military clash over the president's extended stay in power, the United States said it stands ready "to consider all available tools."

LONDON -- As rival factions in Somalia's military clash over the president's extended stay in power, the United States stands ready "to consider all available tools," according to U.S. Department of State spokesperson Ned Price. "The United States is gravely concerned by the violent clashes yesterday in Mogadishu. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve their differences peacefully," Price said in a statement on Monday evening. "Dialogue and consensus are the only ways to resolve the electoral impasse, and we urge parties to resume negotiations at once to arrive at an agreed way forward for immediate elections. As the Secretary has stated previously, the United States is prepared to consider all available tools, including sanctions and visa restrictions, to respond to efforts to undermine peace and stability in Somalia." The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Somalia and is advising Americans not to travel to the volatile Horn of Africa nation, citing "COVID-19, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping and piracy." Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu posted a security alert for all Americans in Somalia on Monday, urging them to "review your personal security plans, have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance, and make contingency plans to leave." "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. This violence included the use of heavy weapons, including explosives," the embassy said. "Violence such as this may occur without any ability to provide advance warning to U.S. citizens."