Somali opposition warns of planned attack on ex-army chief’s Mogadishu home

Sunday June 7, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Salvation Forum said Saturday it had received indications that security forces were preparing to move against the Mogadishu home of former Somali National Army commander Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage.

In a statement, the opposition alliance alleged that forces under the command of Aden Mohamed Omar, widely known as Aadan Dheere, and backed by personnel from security agencies were lining up an assault on Odowaa’s residence in Abdiaziz district.

The claims could not be independently verified, and the federal government has not immediately responded to the allegations.

The forum also said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration was preparing to target business properties and private hotels associated with opposition figures. Those claims, too, could not be independently verified.

In the same statement, the bloc condemned what it described as an armed incursion into the home of Sheikh Abdulqadir Soomow, saying such moves risk deepening already fragile political and security conditions in Mogadishu.

The Somali Salvation Forum accused what it called a “defunct regime” of walking away from earlier de-escalation and ceasefire arrangements reached after several days of violence in the capital. According to the group, the government’s recent actions have heightened political mistrust and raised the danger of another round of confrontation.

“We called on the armed forces to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and avoid being used for political purposes,” adding that the situation could push Somalia into a new phase of instability if not contained.

The opposition bloc also urged international partners to keep close watch on developments and said Mohamud would be responsible for any consequences that emerge from the current standoff.

The statement was released hours after Banadir regional police displayed weapons and military vehicles they said were recovered from the Mirinaayo neighborhood of Abdiaziz district, where former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had recently been staying.

Banadir Regional Police Commander Col. Mahdi Omar Mumin said security forces seized 17 BKM machine guns, five RPG launchers, one sniper rifle, one PTM, 14 vehicles, an undisclosed number of AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition.

Police said the operation was part of an effort to recover illegal weapons they said had been used by armed groups during recent clashes in Mogadishu. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have accused the federal government of using security operations to pressure political rivals and curb peaceful protests.