Mogadishu, Somalia, January 19, 2025 : The federal government of Somalia has imposed a ban on the installation of sound speakers on tricycles, known locally as Bajaj motorcycles, operating in the capital city of Mogadishu.
This drastic measure aims to prevent terrorists from exploiting these vehicles to carry out attacks.
The move follows a recent security breakthrough by Somali police, who intercepted a car filled with explosives hidden inside a speaker.
The vehicle, which was set to detonate within Mogadishu, was part of a new and increasingly sophisticated tactic used by terrorist groups to evade detection and bypass security checkpoints.
In a statement released by the Somali Police, authorities confirmed that the attackers had intended to bypass the city’s security measures by hiding explosives inside a sound speaker. However, the plot was foiled when vigilant officers, well-trained to spot evolving terrorist strategies, noticed suspicious activity. The quick response prevented a potential disaster, saving countless lives.
The new security measure, effective immediately, prohibits the use of sound speakers on Bajaj motorcycles throughout Mogadishu. Police have begun dismantling the speakers from these vehicles, a move that has unsettled some Bajaj riders who rely on the loudspeakers for commercial purposes.
The crackdown, though unexpected, is part of ongoing efforts to limit the scope of terror tactics used by groups like Al-Shabaab.
On Wednesday, Somali security forces had also seized a vehicle filled with explosives, orchestrated by the Al-Shabaab terror group, who had attached the deadly devices to speakers in an attempt to outsmart security forces. This plot, however, was also thwarted by the police’s keen search and swift action.
The Somali police department’s continued vigilance has led to numerous successes in disrupting terror activities in recent months, preventing several potential attacks on civilians in Mogadishu.
Although Al-Shabaab has faced intense pressure from Somali and international forces, the group has been adapting its methods, resorting to more creative and deceptive tactics to carry out its campaigns of violence.
Despite these challenges, Mogadishu has seen a notable decline in bombings in recent weeks, thanks to the relentless efforts of Somali security forces. While the battle against terrorism continues, the latest measures represent a significant step forward in securing the capital from evolving threats.
As Somalia continues its war on terror, the authorities remain committed to protecting the safety of its citizens and ensuring that security is not compromised by new tactics employed by terrorist organizations.