Al-Shabaab detonated a bomb in Mogadishu shortly after President Mohamud’s convoy passed, damaging buildings and injuring civilians. The president was on his way to Hirshabelle, where a major military offensive against the group is anticipated. Al-Shabaab’s claims of responsibility follow a recent hotel attack that resulted in casualties. The Somali government is committed to combating the group with a comprehensive military strategy supported by local and international forces.
On Tuesday, the militant group Al-Shabaab detonated a bomb in Mogadishu, shortly after a convoy carrying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud passed by, causing significant destruction to a building and vehicles in the vicinity. The president was en route to Hirshabelle state, where the army is reportedly organizing a substantial offensive against the group.
According to a security official, the explosion occurred in the Hamar-Jajab area, destroying a civilian building. Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast and observed casualties, including a man trapped under debris. Many individuals in a nearby vehicle sustained injuries from the explosion.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, which follows a recent hotel siege by the group in central Somalia that resulted in nine fatalities. The group has been engaged in conflict with the federal government for over fifteen years, executing frequent lethal attacks across Mogadishu and beyond. While they were expelled from the city by African Union forces in 2011, they remain active in rural regions.
In response to the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, Somalia’s president has vowed to wage total war against the group, with the military collaborating with local militias in a campaign that has the backing of the African Union forces and US air strikes.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between the Somali government and Al-Shabaab, revealing the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and counter-terrorism strategies to protect civilians and restore peace.
The recent bomb attack in Mogadishu illustrates the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab as they persist in their campaign against the Somali government. Despite the security challenges, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has pledged to confront Al-Shabaab through coordinated military efforts with local forces and international support. The situation remains precarious, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and robust security strategies to safeguard the nation and its citizens.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
