Somalia: Clashes between military and spy units kill 6

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Six government forces, including a senior National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) commander, were killed and several others wounded in clashes between the military and spy units in Mogadishu on Wednesday, authorities said

The clashes took place at a security checkpoint at the national theater close to the presidential palace in Mogadishu.

In a joint news conference via state media on Wednesday evening Somalia's defense minister Abdirashid Abdullahi and spy Agency (NISA) chief Abdullahi Mohamed described the clashes as an "unfortunate incident".

"We can confirm that today's incident caused the death of our six soldiers after government forces accidentally exchanged gunfire," the defense minister said.

"We have launched an immediate investigation intowhat has happened today," the NISA chief said.

Isse Jijille, senior NISA commander, was among the victims, according to the government.