A roadside bomb in Mogadishu targeted Somalia’s president’s convoy, resulting in reported fatalities. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, which the government condemned as a desperate measure. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was unharmed and is overseeing military operations against the group. The British Embassy reaffirmed support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts as the government intensifies its military campaign against al-Shabab.
On Tuesday, a roadside bomb targeted the convoy of Somalia’s president near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, according to the Somali government. The Information Ministry described the assault as a “cowardly act of desperation” perpetrated by the militant group al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility for the attack. While the statement did not specify an official death toll, a witness reported seeing three bodies at the scene; fortunately, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was unharmed.
Al-Shabab, a group opposed to the federal government of Somalia, regularly conducts bombings and assaults against officials and military forces within the country. Despite ongoing military operations by government forces and African Union peacekeepers, the group continues to control territories in rural Somalia and presents a significant threat. The explosion occurred shortly after the president departed the palace grounds, en route to the airport for a military oversight mission against al-Shabab.
Eyewitness Ayub Osman described seeing “three people lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust and debris,” while another local resident reported witnessing two bodies. In response to the attack, the British Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the act and expressed continued support for Somalia’s counterterrorism initiatives. Their statement emphasized, “The UK remains a steadfast partner of the Somali government as they fight the violent extremists responsible for this despicable attack.”
In light of heightened tensions, the Somali government has escalated its military actions against al-Shabab, achieving territorial gains in regions such as Middle Shabelle. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to address the persistent threat posed by the group and bolster national security.
The recent roadside bomb attack near Somalia’s presidential palace underscores the persistent security challenges posed by al-Shabab. While the president escaped unharmed, the attack resulted in reported fatalities and highlights the ongoing struggle of the Somali government against militant threats. International support for Somalia’s counterterrorism initiatives remains vital as the government intensifies its military campaigns to combat al-Shabab’s influence.
Original Source: www.wral.com
