By Mohamed Abdi Farah

(SomaliNet) Somalia’s government troops backed by Ethiopian [Woyanne] forces carried out massive security operations in southern part of the capital Mogadishu on Sunday, officials and residents said.

The forces raided houses and businesses in Hodan and Howlwadag districts arresting dozens of people, they have also discovered weapons including rifles.

Abdulahi Hassan Barise, a Somali police commander told reporters that the raid targeted what he called ‘the Islamist remnants’

“The security operations will be continued till the Islamist elements are cleared from the capital and now we are making progress in restoring peace and stability,” said Hassan.

The government forces have also suspended traffic movement during the operations, witnesses said.

“This morning, we could not get the civilian buses because the government soldiers have stopped,” Mustaf Osman, a resident in southern Mogadishu said.

The operations came amid escalating situation in the war ravaged capital Mogadishu as local insurgents carry out hit and run attacks on the government positions.