MOGADISHU, Somalia - Dozens of people were arrested in security operations in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in connection with the latest Al Shabaab attacks in the seaside city, Garowe Online reports.

At least 50 people, mostly youths have been nabbed during widespread overnight house-to-house search operations carried out in parts of Yaqshiid, Wardhigley and Heliwa districts by Somali troops.

Ahmed Hassan, a Police officer said the massive operation was aimed to hunt Al Shabaab militants planning to launch attacks and assassinations. They are suspected to be hiding in northern Mogadishu.

Hassan added that Hundreds of heavily armed security personnel, including Intelligence officers involved in the security check operations which began in the evening and wrapped up before dawn on Monday morning.

According to the residents, all traffic movements in the searched areas were halted for the early hours of the day. The detained people have been taken to Police stations in Mogadishu for further questioning.

In the past few days, Police in Mogadishu seized suspects with illegal weapons, drugs and printing machines used by Al Shabaab to print warning letters and propaganda leaflets in recent operations.

GAROWE ONLINE