Somalia’s South West forces seize explosives bound for Mogadishu, commander says

South West regional security forces say they have seized 10 landmines allegedly bound for Mogadishu, thwarting what authorities described as an Al-Shabaab plot to hit the capital ahead of local council elections.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdirahman Mohamed Munye, commander of the October 14 Brigade, said Wednesday that his unit intercepted the explosives in the area known as Number 50 after receiving actionable intelligence.

“Thank God, we were able to thwart the Khawarij’s plot to harm civilians. Our forces intercepted 10 dangerous landmines that were intended to be used against the people of Mogadishu,” Lt. Col. Munye said, using the government’s term for the militant group.

Munye credited residents with providing timely tips that led to the seizure and publicly thanked the community in the Number 50 area. He did not disclose whether any arrests were made or provide additional details about the devices beyond describing them as landmines.

The operation comes amid heightened security in and around the capital. Somali security agencies have stepped up checkpoints and patrols on major roads and at key entry points into Mogadishu in recent weeks, measures officials say are aimed at deterring attacks and maintaining public safety during the electoral period.

While Al-Shabaab continues to mount asymmetric attacks, the discovery of landmines in transit underscores the group’s persistent interest in targeting densely populated areas and critical routes. Authorities did not say where in Mogadishu the mines were intended to be placed.

Officials have urged residents to report suspicious activity, describing civilian cooperation as essential to disrupting plots before they reach the city. Wednesday’s interception, they say, is an example of how tips routed through local networks can translate into quick action by specialized units.

The October 14 Brigade, named in remembrance of victims of one of the country’s deadliest bombings, has been at the forefront of counter-IED efforts on arteries leading to the capital. Security officials say their current posture includes increased screening of vehicles and cargo, random patrols, and closer coordination among regional and federal forces to monitor corridors commonly exploited by militants.

Authorities did not immediately provide imagery of the seized explosives or specify how they were being transported. No injuries were reported.

Somalia’s government has framed the intensification of security as part of a broader push to safeguard civic processes and daily life against sabotage. With more checkpoints appearing on roads linking regional hubs to Mogadishu, officials insist the inconvenience to commuters is necessary to prevent potential attacks and to reassure voters as the local council elections approach.

Further details on the seizure and any related suspects were not released. Security officials said additional operations and searches would continue along known transit routes into the capital.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.