Mogadishu is witnessing a troubling rise in gang activity fueled by drug and alcohol abuse. Once seen as a relatively minor problem compared to terrorism, gang violence is now a serious security concern. Many young Somalis, facing unemployment, poverty, and social marginalization, are turning to drugs, alcohol, and organized criminal groups. These gangs rob businesses, claim territories, and trade stolen goods for drugs, creating a vicious cycle of crime. Authorities have long underestimated the threat, with senior officials dismissing gangs as mere juvenile delinquents. But the Somali Police Force now acknowledges the scale of the problem as serious crimes surge. Some gangs even include members of the security forces, raising fears of infiltration. There are also growing concerns that Al Shabaab could exploit gangs to carry out attacks.