The Somali Police Command has announced the conclusion of the first phase of a security operation carried out in the Howlwadaag district of the Banaadir region, specifically targeting a residence where several political figures, including former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, were reportedly present.

Speaking to the media, the Commander of the Banaadir Regional Police Division, General Macalin Mahdi, stated that security forces are now moving toward the Mirinaayo neighborhood in the Cabdicasiis district, where former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is believed to be located.

“We are now heading to Mirinaayo. We call on the forces stationed there to surrender to the National Security Forces,” Commander Macalin Mahdi said.

The police commander further stressed that Mogadishu has moved beyond the era in which individuals could take up arms against the government and destabilize the security of the capital.

The statement from the Somali Police comes amid ongoing clashes in Mogadishu over the past several hours between government security forces and troops reportedly aligned with opposition groups.