MOGADISHU – Joint security operations continue in Mogadishu as the government intensifies its crackdown on illegal arms. Security forces recovered a significant stockpile of weapons from the Elite Hotel on Lido Beach, confiscating substantial amounts of unauthorized military hardware as the state systematically dismantles private military infrastructures that have previously threatened the urban security grid.
The Banadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Muumin, briefed the media at the scene and confirmed the recovery of the illegal weapons. The inventory includes various heavy-caliber combat equipment and long-range tactical systems that were secretly stored within the hotel. Commissioner Muumin described the stash as a combination of gear previously used by armed groups involved in local destabilization and new equipment specifically designed to facilitate future security breaches in the capital.
The de-weaponization operations have predominantly targeted armed groups affiliated with two sub-clans of the larger Hawiye clan family: the Murusade, linked to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and the Harti Abgaal, linked to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Minister Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, and former Army Chief General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh.
Government Zero-Tolerance Policy on Private Arms Storage
The Commissioner issued a strict directive regarding the state’s position on private arms storage. He affirmed that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward the maintenance of unauthorized armories in residential homes or commercial establishments. The state-led operation will continue throughout all districts of the capital to ensure that no entity or individual provides refuge for illegal military logistics.
Commissioner Muumin also addressed the execution of the raid, noting that the operation maintained the highest standards of professionalism. He confirmed that the tactical entry resulted in no harm to hotel staff or security personnel, emphasizing that the police force operated strictly within its legal mandate to restore public order and eliminate security threats. This successful recovery of heavy weapons represents a significant achievement for the federal government in securing vital economic hubs from irregular armed groups.
Hotel Owner Abdullahi Mohamed Nor Denies Allegations
The owner of Elite Hotel, Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, who previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, State Minister for Finance, and advisor to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, has strongly condemned the operation. Nor resigned from his position as advisor to the president due to “unaddressed serious political challenges.”
In a statement posted on his Twitter and widely circulated on social media, Nor alleged that heavily armed forces equipped with explosives and demolition equipment stormed the hotel and took full control of the premises. He claimed that soldiers completely took over the hotel, gathered the limited security guards and staff present, and detained them in a specific area.
Nor accused the forces of entering with the intention not of conducting a legitimate search but of destroying the hotel and looting all valuables inside. He alleged that the heavy weapons brought in were intended to facilitate demolition and plunder, after which the perpetrators would fabricate a narrative to justify their actions and tarnish the reputation of the business establishment.
Nor directly attributed responsibility to forces sent by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, holding him accountable for any damage or losses incurred at the commercial property. He reiterated that prior to these events, the only weapons inside the hotel were the light firearms used by the hotel’s security personnel for the protection of the premises.
Political Context and Opposition Response
The operation comes only days after renewed tensions and clashes between government forces and opposition groups in Mogadishu, following disputes over planned opposition demonstrations, constitutional changes, and President Mohamud’s mandate. Federal authorities say the ongoing operations are intended to recover illegal weapons and maintain public security. However, opposition figures argue that the actions violate previous understandings aimed at reducing tensions between political actors in the capital.
Somali police seized six vehicles and weapons during clashes with troops loyal to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the Marinayo area of Mogadishu, following mediation efforts by the United States and Turkey to defuse tensions over delayed elections. The Banadir Regional Police Command confirmed that security forces recovered the vehicles and a cache of weapons from the Abdiaziz district, where the most intense fighting occurred earlier in the week.
Allegations of Political Motivations
The Somali Salvation Forum has expressed concern over reports that the residence of former Somali National Army Commander General Odowaa Yusuf Rage could also be targeted, warning that such actions risk worsening the already fragile political and security situation in Mogadishu.
Opposition leaders accuse the federal government of using security operations to suppress political dissent. Federal officials say the operations are necessary to protect public order and prevent armed groups from destabilizing the capital. The severe political crisis escalated after hours of heavy fighting around the Mogadishu residences of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed earlier this week, sparking fears of wider conflict.
Background on Elite Hotel
Elite Hotel has been a known venue in Mogadishu’s upscale Lido district. The hotel was previously targeted in a deadly al-Shabaab attack, which killed at least 16 people. During that attack, Nor thanked the Somali National Army soldiers who ended the hours-long siege at his hotel. However, the June 2026 incident involves state security forces rather than terrorist groups.
Way Forward
As of now, there has been no official confirmation or detailed statement from the Somali government beyond Commissioner Muumin’s remarks regarding the raid. Independent verification of the competing claims is ongoing. The incident has drawn attention to broader concerns about the conduct of security operations, the protection of private property, and the rule of law in the capital.
