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Somali security forces have regained full control of an area near Tarabuunka junction in Mogadishu after fierce clashes on Thursday with armed soldiers and militia who opposed a government land reclamation plan.
The confrontation erupted around Horseed Stadium in Hodan district — a site that once served as the headquarters for the Somali Military Football Team. According to police, the violence broke out when security forces moved in to enforce a government order issued months ago, which required residents to vacate the land for a planned redevelopment project.
Government Push to Reclaim Land
The Somali federal government has been working to reclaim public land that has been occupied by civilians for decades. In the case of Horseed Stadium, officials argue that the area needs to be redeveloped for public benefit. However, many of the people living there have called it home for over thirty years, moving in after the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991.
This long-standing occupation has made eviction efforts highly sensitive and controversial. Some residents have refused to leave, and their resistance has drawn in armed groups, turning the dispute into a dangerous security challenge.
Police Operation and Security Concerns
In a statement, the Somali Police Force said Thursday’s operation aimed to improve security in the Banadir region and crack down on the possession of illegal weapons in Mogadishu.
“This act, which violated the security regulations of the capital, resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as casualties among security personnel and members of the armed militia,” police said.
Although exact casualty figures have not been released, residents reported hearing sustained gunfire and witnessing people fleeing the area in fear. Witnesses said the clashes were intense, forcing many families to abandon their homes near the stadium.
Police confirmed they have now stabilized the situation in Hodan district and implemented measures to prevent further unrest. Authorities also issued a strong warning to anyone supporting armed resistance or activities that threaten public safety in the city.
A History of Tensions Over Land
Disputes over land ownership are common in Mogadishu, where decades of conflict have blurred property rights. During the civil war and subsequent years of instability, many public buildings, stadiums, and open plots of land were taken over by displaced families or armed groups.
Now, as the government attempts to rebuild infrastructure and public facilities, it often faces pushback from those who have settled on the land and built lives there. The situation is further complicated by the presence of weapons in civilian areas, making evictions dangerous and prone to violence.
Calls for Peaceful Solutions
While the government insists the redevelopment of Horseed Stadium is in the public interest, human rights advocates have urged authorities to handle such disputes carefully to avoid civilian harm. They argue that residents should be given adequate time, compensation, or alternative housing before being forced to leave.
The police statement did not mention any plans for resettlement or assistance for displaced residents. For now, the area remains under tight security, with patrols in place to prevent the return of armed groups.
Ongoing Security Risks in Mogadishu
The incident highlights broader challenges facing Somalia’s capital, where security forces continue to battle threats ranging from militant attacks to armed clan-based militias. Even disputes that begin as local disagreements over land can quickly escalate into violent confrontations, adding pressure on an already stretched security apparatus.
For the residents of Hodan district, Thursday’s events were a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Mogadishu. As gunfire faded and soldiers tightened their grip on the area, many families were left uncertain about where they would live next — and whether they would ever return to the place they once called home.