Heavy gunfire in Somali capital as row over election delay escalates

Government forces and opposition fighters have exchanged heavy gunfire in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, as a row over delays to elections has escalated.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term in office ended on 15 May but was extended by a year. The opposition said this was unconstitutional and called for protests on Thursday.

Gunfire was reported in several neighbourhoods of the capital and persisted throughout the night, according to accounts by residents.

Police said they were conducting a "large-scale security operation" against "heavily armed militias who launched mortar attacks" in some areas.

Following the expiry of the president's term, the federal government and the opposition started talks but did not reach an agreement.

President Mohamud has been attempting to move Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing a system in which clan elders choose MPs, who in turn select a president.

Somalia last held a one-person, one-vote election in 1969 and has been ravaged by civil war for more than 30 years.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he had been attacked by government forces while he and other leaders were preparing for Thursday's "peaceful" demonstrations.