Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – Somali presidential guard forces carried out a rare overnight security operation in neighborhoods surrounding the presidential compound in Mogadishu, conducting house-to-house searches and detaining several young men as authorities tighten security around Villa Somalia amid escalating political tensions in the capital.
The operation, which continued until dawn on Thursday, was carried out by elite units responsible for protecting the presidential palace and key government institutions. Witnesses said heavily armed security forces entered homes in areas surrounding the heavily fortified compound, ordered residents outside, and questioned them about their identities, family backgrounds, and reasons for living in the area.
Residents described the operation as one of the most extensive security sweeps conducted around the presidential zone in recent years. Several young men of varying ages were detained during the searches, although many were later released after identity checks and preliminary investigations.
The security crackdown comes as Somali authorities implement new security procedures around Villa Somalia following growing concerns over political instability, possible protests, and fears of infiltration by armed groups or individuals posing security threats.
Under the newly introduced measures, armed personnel wearing military uniforms and technical vehicles mounted with heavy weapons have reportedly been barred from using roads leading directly to the presidential compound unless specifically authorized by presidential security officials.
Security agencies have also significantly increased inspections of vehicles and pedestrians entering or passing near the presidential zone. Multiple checkpoints have reportedly been reinforced, while surveillance and patrol operations have intensified across nearby districts.
Officials familiar with the new arrangements said the measures are aimed at reducing confusion caused by the presence of multiple armed units operating in the same area and ensuring tighter control over access to sensitive government sites.
The new security structure reportedly places primary responsibility for the area on Somalia’s elite Red Berets presidential guard forces, while limiting the movement of other security agencies around the compound unless coordinated through a central command system.
Authorities believe the restrictions on armed convoys and military vehicles will make it easier to identify suspicious activity and prevent unauthorized armed groups from approaching the presidential area.
The operation comes at a politically sensitive moment for Somalia, as tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition groups continue to intensify over disagreements related to elections, constitutional changes, and the direction of the country’s political transition.
Opposition leaders have recently called for major demonstrations in Mogadishu against the policies of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing the government of attempting to consolidate power and suppress dissent.
Security analysts say the heightened measures around Villa Somalia reflect growing fears within the government over potential unrest, particularly following heated political rhetoric, public criticism from opposition figures, and concerns over possible attacks targeting key state institutions.
The latest developments also come amid broader security concerns in Mogadishu, where authorities have recently intensified operations against organized youth gangs known as “Ciyaal Weero,” criminal networks accused of carrying out robberies and violent attacks in parts of the capital.
Residents living near the presidential compound reported heavy movement restrictions during the overnight operation, with some roads temporarily closed and security patrols deployed throughout the area until morning.
The Somali government has not yet released an official statement detailing the exact objectives of the operation or the number of people detained, but observers say the large-scale sweep highlights the increasingly tense political and security environment surrounding Somalia’s leadership.