Military blocked us from evacuating injured protesters-Aamin Ambulance

At least three medical doctors and staff of the free emergency medical provider Aamin Ambulance who spoke to Goobjoog News said the military barred them from accessing the casualties despite calls for help.

“Soldiers stationed in the streets refused to provide assistance to those in need at the time,” Dr Aweys Abdullahi told Goobjoog News.

 “We told the army that there is a situation that needs to be addressed and that they are looking for people with injuries or others with asthma but none listened to our pleas,” Dr Aweys said.

Another staffer at Aamin Ambulance Isak Mohamed said they received calls from the scene of the clashes yesterday but they could not do anything because they were barred from accessing the area.

“In three cases we were called in for help and the army closed the roads and told us not to pass by an order. We had to withdraw,” said Isak Mohamed.

According to Mohamed, the military conducted searches on vehicles to ensure none provided any assistance.

 Aamin Ambulance has been hailed as one of the most effective emergency service providers in Somalia and has been instrumental in providing medical rescue and evacuation particularly during bomb attacks in the city.

Blocking medical providers from evacuating the injured is a violation of international and local humanitarian laws.

Several people were injured when security forces fired live bullets on opposition protestors Friday in Mogadishu. Former prime Minister Hassan Khaire and Wadajir party leader were leading the demos when security forces near the Sahal terminal along airport road opened fire indiscriminately.