Somali government forces on Saturday carried out a major security operation at the Elite Hotel in Muqdisho’s Liido beach area, amid rising political and security tensions in the capital. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire as troops entered the hotel compound, disarmed the hotel’s guards, and launched extensive searches inside the building. Parts of the hotel’s seaside wall were reportedly demolished to facilitate the operation.

According to local sources, the operation was linked to suspicions that weapons belonging to opposition groups were being stored inside the hotel. Reports specifically mentioned individuals affiliated with former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Security forces were also said to have broken open several hotel room doors while searching the premises for hidden weapons and military equipment.

The owner of Elite Hotel, Abdullahi Mohamed, strongly condemned the operation in a statement posted on his Facebook page. He claimed that heavily armed forces equipped with explosives and demolition equipment stormed the hotel at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time on 6 June 2026 and took full control of the premises. Abdullahi Mohamed alleged that the forces gathered the hotel’s guards and staff into a separate area and argued that the scale of weaponry used suggested the operation was intended to destroy and loot the property rather than conduct a routine search. He further accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of bearing responsibility for any damage, destruction, or losses suffered by the hotel.

The operation comes only days after renewed tensions and clashes between government forces and opposition groups in Muqdisho. 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. Meanwhile, the Somali Salvation Forum 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 Muqdisho.