Somali security forces have displayed a large cache of weapons recovered from Elite Hotel in Mogadishu as part of ongoing operations aimed at collecting illegal arms across the capital.
The operations were launched following recent attacks by armed militias in the Abdiaziz and Howlwadag districts of Banadir region.
Speaking to journalists at the hotel, Banadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Mumin said security forces seized a significant number of weapons, including heavy arms and long-range firearms, which had been stored inside the hotel.
“This operation is part of a series of security efforts targeting illegal weapons. Some of the arms were linked to militias involved in recent insecurity, while others were newly acquired weapons intended to destabilize the city. These weapons were hidden in different locations, including Elite Hotel,” the commander said.
Mahdi stated that security operations against illegal weapons will continue and warned that no one will be allowed to store unauthorized arms in homes, businesses, or other private properties.
He also clarified that the operation caused no damage to the hotel and that its staff and security guards were unharmed.
The Federal Government’s security forces have recently intensified efforts to recover illegal weapons and prevent armed groups from threatening security in Mogadishu.
