On Tuesday, Al Shabaab targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, resulting in casualties. Egypt condemned the terrorist attack, affirming its support for Somalia. The President was confirmed safe, and the attack marked the first direct targeting of him since 2014. Egypt extended condolences and sympathy to the victims and their families.
On Tuesday, a bomb attack on the convoy of Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Mogadishu resulted in casualties. The Islamist group Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for this act of violence, which has drawn widespread condemnation. Egypt, in particular, expressed its disapproval of the attack, labeling it a terrorist act that threatens the stability of Somalia.
In a formal statement, the Egyptian government conveyed its condemnation, stating, “Egypt expresses its strong condemnation of this criminal terrorist act, and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability in the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia.” This statement underscored Egypt’s solidarity with President Mohamud and the Somali people.
Following the incident, two senior officials confirmed that President Mohamud remained unharmed, as noted by Zakariye Hussein, a presidential advisor. In a post on X, he mentioned that the President was “good and well on his way to the front lines,” indicating his continued commitment to the situation at hand.
Witnesses, including soldiers and local residents, reported that the president’s convoy was indeed attacked. A journalist from Reuters, present at the scene, observed the aftermath, including the bodies of four victims located near the presidential palace. Al Shabaab, through their Telegram channel affiliated with Al Qaeda, acknowledged their targeting of the President’s convoy as it departed from the presidential palace toward the airport.
This incident marks a significant escalation in Al Shabaab’s campaign, as it is their first direct attack on President Mohamud since 2014. At that time, they bombed a hotel where he was addressing attendees. In light of this recent attack, Egypt has expressed its condolences to the Somali government and its citizens, offering sympathy to the families affected and wishing for a swift recovery for the injured.
The recent attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy signifies a troubling escalation in Al Shabaab’s aggressive tactics against the Somali government. Egypt’s unequivocal condemnation reflects the broader regional rejection of terrorism and violence. The commitment expressed by Egypt reinforces solidarity with Somalia during these challenging times, emphasizing a collective stance against destabilizing acts.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
