Hargeisa (WDN)- Tensions flared at Hargeisa Airport today when former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi was reportedly denied entry to the facility while attempting to depart the country. The confrontation quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire between airport security personnel and members of the security detail accompanying the former president.

According to initial reports, gun shots were fired as airport authorities attempted to enforce the entry restriction. Conflicting accounts indicate that two police officers involved in the confrontation were later taken into custody.

Authorities say the situation was eventually brought under control, allowing normal airport operations to resume. Subsequent reports suggest that Muse Bihi was later permitted to travel and has since departed for the United Arab Emirates without further incident.

The motives behind the denial of entry remain not clear. However, Aviation Minister Fu’aad Nuuh attributed the escalation to a misunderstanding stemming from the lack of prior notification to airport authorities regarding the former president’s travel plans.

WardheerNews