Somali police forces on Saturday arrested 12 soldiers in Mogadishu’s Hodan district following an armed clash involving government forces conducting a land-clearing operation.

According to Somali Police spokesperson Abdifitah Aden Hassan, the detained soldiers allegedly sided with local residents and armed groups in opposing the government’s operation.

“It was surprising to see army officers aligning with their tribe against a national operation,” Hassan said, likening the incident to conflicts from Somalia’s turbulent past.

“These 12 soldiers and officers, currently held at the Hodan district police station, will face trial for their involvement,” he confirmed.

The operation led to the confirmed death of one civilian, with several others reported injured.

Tensions arose as government forces sought to clear state-owned lands, which are inhabited by residents.