Las'anod – Somalia’s North East State authorities have banned civilians from carrying weapons in the region's major towns, saying the measure is intended to strengthen security and maintain public order.
In a directive issued by the Ministry of Security, the regional administration said the order took effect on June 28, 2026, and stipulates that only authorised members of the security forces may carry firearms within the main urban centres.
The ministry instructed the police and other security agencies to immediately enforce the directive and take legal action against anyone found violating the order.
"Anyone who breaches this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law," the ministry said in a statement.