A roadside bomb in Mogadishu aimed at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy caused casualties, although the president was unharmed. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for this attack, which is part of ongoing assaults against the Somali government. The British Embassy condemned the attack, reinforcing support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts as military operations against al-Shabab intensify.
On Tuesday, a roadside bomb targeted the convoy of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The Somali Information Ministry described the attack as a “cowardly act of desperation” by the extremist group al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility for the incident. While the official death toll remains unconfirmed, witnesses reported seeing at least three bodies at the scene; thankfully, the president was unharmed.
Al-Shabab regularly conducts attacks against government officials and military personnel in Somalia, posing an ongoing threat despite military operations by the Somali government and African Union peacekeepers. This particular incident occurred shortly after President Mohamud departed the palace grounds for the airport, aiming to oversee military operations against al-Shabab in the southern region of Middle Shabelle.
Witnesses detailed the chaos following the explosion, with Ayub Osman indicating he observed three motionless bodies amid the debris. Hassan Nur, another local resident, confirmed seeing two bodies in the aftermath. The British Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the attack and reiterated its support for Somalia’s efforts in combating terrorism. The embassy stated, “The UK remains a steadfast partner of the Somali government as they fight the violent extremists responsible for this despicable attack.”
In recent months, the Somali government has escalated its military campaign against al-Shabab, successfully reclaiming territory in Middle Shabelle and surrounding regions.
The roadside bomb targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy illustrates the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, which remains active despite military efforts by Somali forces and allies. Witness accounts highlighted the tragic aftermath of the attack, which resulted in casualties even as the president escaped unharmed. International support for Somalia’s counterterrorism initiatives continues, underscoring a global commitment to combat such violent extremism in the region.
Original Source: www.wral.com
