MOGADISHU, October 11, 2026 — Somali federal forces are reportedly reinforcing positions near the homes of prominent opposition leaders in Mogadishu, closing access roads and prompting some residents to leave their neighbourhoods amid fears of a confrontation, according to security sources and local reports.
The deployments affect areas surrounding the residences of former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Reports published Sunday described military movements around the airport and restrictions on roads approaching the two politicians’ homes.
According to the security information provided for this report, numerous troops and military vehicles entered the heavily guarded perimeter of Aden Adde International Airport around midnight. Additional forces were reportedly positioned along routes connecting the airport area with nearby residential neighbourhoods.
Roads and narrow passageways leading from Buulo Xuubey and Zoobe towards the opposition leaders’ residences were reportedly blocked. Armed personnel were said to be stationed at several access points, restricting movement through streets ordinarily used by residents, businesses and vehicles travelling across the area.
The reported military presence has heightened anxiety among families living close to the politicians’ homes. Some residents are said to be leaving because they fear that a confrontation between federal forces and armed guards could spread into surrounding residential streets.
Security sources described the troop movements as preparations for a disarmament operation involving politicians and armed officers in Mogadishu. They said a combined force had been assembled for that purpose.
The reported deployment raises immediate questions about how any weapons collection exercise would be conducted in densely populated neighbourhoods. The presence of political leaders’ guards, federal personnel and civilians within a confined area leaves residents particularly exposed if negotiations fail or an armed confrontation develops.
Concern extends to hospitals near the Zoobe junction, where patients are receiving treatment. The security information supplied for this report described growing unease around medical facilities as troops occupied nearby streets and access routes became restricted.
The latest developments follow earlier confrontations involving federal forces and the same opposition figures. In June this year, government troops and opposition-aligned fighters exchanged fire in Mogadishu ahead of planned anti-government protests, damaging property and forcing civilians to flee.
Sheikh Sharif accused federal forces of targeting his home. Khaire separately alleged that heavy weapons had been used in residential areas.
The government subsequently said security forces had restored order and accused armed groups associated with the opposition leaders of attacking police and endangering civilians. That account differed sharply from the opposition’s description of the operation, illustrating the conflicting explanations surrounding the June violence.
The two leaders were also involved in the political confrontation surrounding Somalia’s delayed elections in February 2021, during the administration of then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, widely known as Farmaajo.
On February 19, government forces sealed roads in Mogadishu as opposition supporters attempted to demonstrate over the electoral impasse. Gunfire broke out after overnight clashes between government forces and opposition-linked fighters.
Sheikh Sharif accused government troops of attacking a hotel where he was staying with another former president before the demonstration. The security minister at the time accused the opposition of initiating the fighting. Khaire also participated in the opposition protest movement, which faced armed disruption in the capital.
A separate escalation in April 2021 demonstrated how quickly political disputes could displace civilians. Fighting between rival armed factions in Mogadishu followed the controversy over a presidential term extension, sending families out of several neighbourhoods.
For residents now leaving the affected streets, the immediate concern is whether they can remain safely at home and continue reaching workplaces, schools and medical services. Their reported departure reflects fears of renewed fighting,
Key details remain unresolved, including how long the road closures will last, whether weapons collection has started and whether arrangements will be negotiated with the opposition leaders. Until those questions are clarified, residents around Buulo Xuubey and Zoobe face uncertainty over access, security and the possibility of further displacement.