By Hassan Adan
MOGADISHU– Somali security forces on Monday displayed a large cache of weapons recovered from the Elite Hotel near Lido Beach in Mogadishu, as authorities intensified operations to recover illegal arms following recent clashes involving government security forces and armed groups allied to opposition leaders in the capital.
The weapons, which included both light and heavy firearms as well as long-range weapons, were presented to the media at the hotel by Banaadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Mumin.
Speaking during a press briefing at the scene, Commander Mahdi said the operation formed part of an ongoing campaign to track down illegal weapons and dismantle armed networks accused of threatening security in Mogadishu.
“This operation is part of a series of security operations aimed at recovering illegal weapons,” Mahdi said.
“Some of these weapons were linked to the armed groups involved in the recent unrest in the city, while others were newly acquired weapons allegedly intended to destabilize security in Mogadishu.” Banadir Police commander said
According to the police commander, the recovered weapons had been stored at various locations across the capital, including the Elite Hotel.
“These weapons were hidden in different locations, one of which was the Elite Hotel. Security agencies remain committed to ensuring that illegal arms do not fall into the hands of individuals seeking to undermine peace and stability,” he added.
The recovery comes days after security forces launched extensive operations following armed confrontations in Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag and Cabdicasiis districts, where government forces clashed with opposition-aligned fighters in one of the most serious security incidents witnessed in the capital in recent years.
Authorities say the crackdown is focused on recovering unauthorized weapons and preventing further violence.
Mahdi warned that security forces would continue pursuing individuals found to be storing illegal weapons in private residences, businesses or other facilities.
“We will continue these operations until all illegal weapons are recovered. No individual will be allowed to use a home, commercial premises or any other facility as a storage site for unlawful weapons,” he said.
The police commander also sought to reassure the public and the business community, stating that the operation at the hotel was conducted professionally and without incident.
“No damage occurred at the hotel, and neither staff members nor security personnel stationed there were harmed. Security forces carried out their duties in accordance with the law and completed the operation without disrupting normal activities at the facility,” he said.
The Elite Hotel, located along Mogadishu’s popular Lido Beach, is one of the capital’s best-known hospitality establishments and has previously been targeted in high-profile attacks by Al-Shabaab militants, making security around the facility particularly sensitive.
The latest operation comes amid heightened political and security tensions in Mogadishu following recent confrontations between government forces and armed groups linked to opposition figures.
In the aftermath of those clashes, federal authorities intensified efforts to recover weapons believed to have been stockpiled in various parts of the city.
Security agencies have in recent days displayed additional weapons seized during operations across Mogadishu, arguing that the crackdown is necessary to prevent further instability and maintain public order.
Police say the campaign will continue in the coming days as authorities seek to identify additional arms caches and individuals suspected of possessing illegal weapons.
The federal government has repeatedly emphasized that only state security institutions have the legal authority to possess and deploy military-grade weapons, warning that any attempt to maintain private armed stockpiles poses a threat to national security and public safety.
