Mogadishu(SONNA)-Police have detained 11 soldiers accused of illegally carrying weapons in the capital Mogadishu, in violation of security orders banning armed movement by off-duty personnel.
The Banadir Regional Police Command said the soldiers were arrested by Central Police Station officers and will be referred to court for defying directives aimed at strengthening security in the city.
The arrests come as authorities tighten security ahead of the Banadir Regional Council elections scheduled for December 25. Two days earlier, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered security forces to ensure the city’s safety during the vote.
As part of the security measures, Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that Mogadishu’s airport will be closed and all flights suspended on the election day.
Officials say the steps are intended to maintain stability and prevent security incidents during the electoral process.
