(17-05-23) MOGADISHU – In a joint operation, Mogadishu’s police, military, and ATMIS forces successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of affiliation with the Al-Shabaab militant group. The operation took place on Tuesday night across the Hodan and Howlwadaag districts of central Mogadishu. The operation is part of a series of measures aimed at preventing the terrorist group from carrying out attacks in the capital.
According to officers leading the operation, hundreds of young people were initially arrested on suspicion of having connections to Al-Shabaab. After thorough investigations, all but two individuals were released. The two men still in custody are believed to be members of the terrorist group.
During the operation, which included neighbourhood sweeps and searches of vehicles and pedestrians, security forces also confiscated drugs such as hashish and narcotics. Five individuals were arrested for allegedly selling and using these substances.
A local law enforcement official shared their thoughts on the situation: “We are determined to ensure the safety of our citizens and rid our city of terrorism and crime. This operation is just the beginning of a series of actions we will be taking in the coming days to protect the people of Mogadishu.”
In the face of continued threats from Al-Shabaab, the Somali government has been working closely with its international partners to bolster its security forces and develop effective counter-terrorism strategies.
© Halqabsi News