The United States government has urged its citizens in Somalia to stay away from downtown Mogadishu.
This message was relayed through the US Embassy in Somalia on February 19.
The warning followed heavy clashes between government forces and the opposition in the East African nation’s capital city.
Opposition presidential candidates had called for a massive anti-government rally at the Daljirka Dahson Monument in Mogadishu.
However, the government deployed its troops to close all roads leading to the site of the planned rally.
On Thursday night and Friday morning, the city was turned into a battlefield.
US citizens have been asked not to turn up to the area. They were also encouraged to avoid large gatherings and keep a low profile.