A group of suspected Islamist militants opened fire on police officers, killing two and sparking an intense fire exchange with other security troops in Mogadishu’s main market. Four civilians were caught in the line of fire and were shot dead apparently by the police, as local witnesses informed.  

Six other civilians were injured and transported to a hospital immediately, same local sources said. After the armed struggle, the market was surrounded by government troops, as shops closed because of the incident and fear of another attack.

The deadly shooting was preceded by two grenade-attacks on some Somali military vehicles. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

On Sunday a suicide attack killed seven people near the residence of Ali Mohamed Gedi, the country’s prime minister. The dignitary wasn’t hurt, but security forces took him to a safe location as a precaution measure.

The politician reacted to the attack and said the government will “crack down on terrorists that are still hiding in the country, particularly in Mogadishu, to carry out violent actions like this.”

Monday and Sunday’s incidents indicate that extremist groups are starting a guerilla war with Ethiopian and African Union peacekeeping forces stationed in unstable Somalia. The African country is going through a period of political and social unrest, as the instability of the government and internal conflict caused thousands of people to flee Mogadishu and even the country.