Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Banaadir Regional Police announced the arrest of 17 individuals on Friday, including both civilians and military personnel, following an incident involving gunfire during the Independence Day celebrations on the night of Thursday, in Mogadishu.
The police confirmed that the arrests were made as part of a coordinated operation with other security agencies in the capital. A statement issued by the Banaadir Police Command revealed that the suspects are accused of violating a government order that explicitly prohibited the use of firearms during the national celebrations.
Investigations are currently underway to assess the damage caused by the unlawful gunfire, with the arrested individuals set to be presented before the courts for legal action in accordance with the law.
Security forces are also actively searching for additional suspects believed to have been involved in the gunfire incidents, which occurred near military camps in various parts of the city.
The Banaadir Police Command had previously issued a ban on the use of firearms during Independence Day celebrations, citing concerns over public safety and the need to maintain order. The use of gunfire during these events has been a recurring issue in previous years, sometimes leading to civilian injuries and casualties, particularly during the celebrations on June 26 and July 1.