Security agencies in Mogadishu publicly displayed a collection of weapons, ammunition and military vehicles that authorities said were seized during an operation targeting opposition-linked groups on Saturday, including equipment allegedly recovered from the estate of former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The display was organised by security officials in the Somali capital as the federal government continues a campaign aimed at collecting unauthorised weapons and tightening security following days of tensions and clashes in several parts of the city.
Speaking to journalists during the presentation, Banadir Regional Police Commander Col. Mahdi Omar Mumin said the operation led to the confiscation of a large number of weapons and vehicles that authorities believe posed a threat to security in Mogadishu.
According to Mahdi, security forces seized 17 BKM machine guns, five RPG launchers, one sniper rifle, one PTM weapon, several AK-47 rifles, large quantities of ammunition and 14 vehicles.
The police commander said the weapons had been in the possession of groups linked to opposition figures and that authorities had decided to take action as part of efforts to prevent armed activity in the capital.
“It was time to end the use of illegal weapons,” Mahdi said.
He explained that the federal government had launched an operation to collect firearms being held without authorisation across Mogadishu and stressed that the campaign would continue until such weapons were removed from circulation.
Mahdi also revealed that security forces had previously recovered additional weapons that authorities claim were connected to fighters loyal to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.
He said security agencies would continue tracking individuals and groups believed to be holding unauthorised arms and urged anyone still in possession of such weapons to surrender them voluntarily before facing legal consequences.
The police commander further warned members of the security services and military personnel who are accused of supporting opposition factions. He stated that authorities would take legal action against anyone found participating in activities aimed at undermining security or targeting government institutions.
According to Mahdi, all members of the security forces are expected to operate within the law and support efforts to maintain order in the capital.
He also called on political organisations and opposition groups to address their concerns through legal and peaceful channels rather than engaging in actions that could lead to confrontation.
The public display of the seized weapons comes after several days of tensions in Mogadishu that resulted in clashes between government forces and groups aligned with opposition leaders.
The violence initially erupted around the Dabka junction area before spreading to several districts of the city. Residents reported gunfire and movement of armed forces in different neighbourhoods as the clashes intensified.
The fighting forced thousands of civilians to leave their homes and seek safety in other areas. Families displaced by the violence moved to locations they considered secure while authorities worked to restore order.
Although the situation has since calmed, security remains a major concern in the capital as political disagreements between the federal government and opposition figures continue to shape events on the ground.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the federal government of using security operations to silence political opponents and limit peaceful demonstrations. They argue that some of the measures being implemented are politically motivated and intended to weaken opposition activities.
Government officials have rejected those claims and insist that the ongoing operations are designed to improve security, remove illegal weapons from circulation and prevent armed groups from threatening stability in Mogadishu.
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