Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – The Somali Police Force has arrested 11 suspects, all of whom are soldiers, after they were found unlawfully carrying weapons in the center of Mogadishu.
The arrests followed security operations conducted by police in several districts of the capital as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal carrying of firearms within the city.
In a statement released by the Command of the Banadir Regional Police, authorities said the detained soldiers had violated directives issued by security agencies, which clearly prohibit any off-duty soldier from carrying weapons openly or independently within the capital.
The Somali Police said the operation is part of broader efforts to strengthen public security and prevent any actions that could endanger the safety of civilians living in Mogadishu.
“The 11 suspects who were arrested are currently in police custody and will be referred to the appropriate court to face justice and to ensure that the law is properly enforced,” the statement from the Banadir Regional Police Command said.
The operation comes as the Somali Police have previously issued strict security orders banning off-duty soldiers from carrying weapons in Mogadishu.
It also coincides with heightened security measures ahead of the local council elections, which are scheduled to take place in Mogadishu on Thursday, the 25th of this month.