Banadir Regional Police Launch Operation to Recover Weapons after Mogadishu Clashes

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Security forces in Mogadishu have launched an operation to recover weapons allegedly used during recent clashes in the capital between government troops and forces linked to opposition leaders.

In a statement, the Banadir Regional Police Command said the operation is focused on Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district, where some of the heaviest fighting took place earlier this week. Security officials alleged that weapons carried by forces loyal to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had been hidden in various locations in the area.

The police command appealed to residents of Abdiaziz and surrounding neighborhoods to cooperate with security personnel conducting searches, saying the operation was aimed at restoring stability and preventing further violence.

It also warned that no individual would be permitted to store or conceal illegal weapons, adding that authorities would take action against anyone found to be keeping arms intended to undermine security in the capital.

The operation follows clashes that erupted in parts of Mogadishu between government forces and armed personnel linked to opposition figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre. The fighting involved heavy weapons and raised fears of a broader political and security crisis.

While the government has accused opposition-linked forces of destabilising the capital, opposition leaders have maintained that security forces targeted their residences and supporters. The competing claims could not be independently verified.

The violence came amid growing tensions over Somalia’s electoral process, constitutional reforms and the country’s political future. The unrest prompted concern from the United Nations, regional organisations and international partners, who have urged all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Despite the recent clashes, Mogadishu remained largely calm on Friday following mediation efforts that helped ease tensions between the government and opposition leaders. Security forces, however, continue to maintain an increased presence in several parts of the capital.