Sounds of gunfire were reported in various places around the presidential palace in Mogadishu on February 18.
Sources claim that the gunfire was heard as guards protecting opposition leaders clashed with government forces near the presidential palace.
Apparently, several people were reportedly killed.
Opposition leaders were at Daljirka Dahson Square where they are expected to hold a massive anti-government rally on Friday.
Ex-President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirmed that they were staying at Maida Hotel, which was attacked by government forces on Thursday night.
Mohamud said that he was at the hotel together with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, another former President of Somalia.