MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali security agencies have intercepted illegal weapons and ammunition in the country, information ministry confirmed Monday.

In a statement, Somali information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe said the government has launch investigations into the origin and motives of the illegal consignment seized in the country.

According to the statement, the Somali and foreign entities had attempted to illegally import high caliber weapons and ammunition into the country without the knowledge and permission of the government.

“The federal government of Somali has a robust system in the supply chain of weapons and ammunition from point of procurement to post distribution, and it is these existing frameworks in place that has enabled the government to respond timely and block the deliveries,” the minister said in the statement

However, the ministry did not identify the entities and the quantity of the sophisticated weapons and ammunition intercepted.

The statement comes hours after Somali government accused Kenya of organizing and supporting the forces commanded by the fugitive Jubbaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janan.

“Kenyan backed group cross the border tonight and attacked Gedo region but Somali National Army repelled the foreign organised invasion,” Information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe said in an earlier statement.

The statement was issued after the forces led by Janan stormed Belet-Hawa which culminated in fighting with Somali military.

According paramedics in Belet-Hawa town, the fighting between Somali military and Janan forces killed over 20 people including five children from same family.