A roadside bomb in Mogadishu targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy; al-Shabab claimed responsibility. Witnesses reported seeing multiple bodies at the scene, although the president was unharmed. The situation reflects the ongoing threats posed by al-Shabab in Somalia despite government efforts.
On Tuesday in Mogadishu, Somalia, a roadside bomb exploded near the presidential palace, targeting the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to the Somali government. The Information Ministry described the attack as a “cowardly act of desperation” by the militant group al-Shabab, which has since asserted responsibility for the assault. Although no official death toll was announced, witnesses reported seeing multiple bodies at the site of the explosion.
Fortunately, President Mohamud was unharmed during this incident. Al-Shabab, known for opposing Somalia’s federal government, regularly conducts bombings aimed at government officials and military forces. Despite ongoing military initiatives by government troops and African Union peacekeepers, the group continues to control parts of rural Somalia and remain a formidable threat.
The bombing occurred shortly after President Mohamud exited the palace in a convoy en route to the main airport. He was scheduled to visit Middle Shabelle in southern Somalia to oversee military actions against al-Shabab. As reported, a witness named Ayub Osman observed, “three people lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust and debris.” Another local resident, Hassan Nur, reported seeing two bodies at the scene.
The explosion in Mogadishu highlights the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab to the Somali government and its officials. Although no casualties were officially confirmed, the incident underscores the group’s capacity for violence and disruption. President Mohamud remains focused on military operations against these militants, but challenges continue to abound in efforts to secure the region.
Original Source: www.startribune.com
