MOGADISHU, Somalia - The security forces of Somalia's Federal Government have conducted an overnight operation in parts of northern Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Somali police officials said they are holding suspects linked to the Al-Shabaab militant group and seized explosives during the covert operation in Mogadishu's Kaaraan district.

Residents said the militants were arrested following a tip-off from the public that a number of Al-Shabaab fighters were hiding in suspected houses in the district, north of the conflict-recovering capital.

The authorities did not give further details on the sweep, but, said the suspects are being interrogated in police custody. They are accused of preparing attacks against Govt targets and civilians in Mogadishu.

This came amid slow in Al Shabaab bombings and assassinations due to the tight security measures and routine night-time operations by Somali special forces dubbed "Mogadishu Stabilization Mission unit."

Despite being ejected out of the capital in 2011 and most of its main strongholds in the south and central regions, Al-Shabaab militants still capable of carrying out attacks against government and AU forces.

GAROWE ONLINE