WARNING: Mogadishu is regarded as the most lawless and dangerous city on Earth. It is not safe for leisure or tourism. If you are planning a visit for international aid work, etc, you will need expert advice and planning.Mogadishu is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital.Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries. Ruled in its medieval golden age by the Somali-Arab Muzaffar dynasty, and subsequently an assortment of other local Sultanates and polities, Mogadishu became the capital of Italian Somaliland during the colonial period.
The Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011) began on August 23, 2010 when al-Shabaab insurgents began attacking government andAfrican Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) positions in the Somali capital. Al-Shabaab began its offensive after its spokesman said the group was declaring a "massive war" on the AMISOM force, describing its 6,000 "peacekeepers" as "invaders".More AMISOM troops were added in the beginning of December, increasing the troop number to 8,000.
