Somali opposition fighters ‘cordon off parts of Mogadishu’

Witnesses report movement of fighters a day after clashes with government troops over president’s bid to extend mandate.

Somali opposition fighters have taken up positions in parts of the capital Mogadishu a day after clashes with government troops erupted over the president’s bid to extend his mandate. Witnesses reported that armed men and vehicles mounted with machine guns were stationed in opposition strongholds on Monday, while key roads in the capital were blocked. “Both the Somali security forces and the pro-opposition fighters have taken positions along some key roads, there is civilian transport movement but, in some areas, they are not allowing anyone to move,” witness Abdullahi Mire told AFP news agency.