Roadside Bomb in Mogadishu Targets President’s Convoy, Al-Shabab Claims Responsibility

A roadside bomb in Mogadishu targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy. The militant group al-Shabab claimed the attack, which left at least three casualties. The president was unharmed, and the British Embassy condemned the bombing, affirming support for Somalia’s fight against extremism. The Somali government has escalated military actions against al-Shabab recently.

On Tuesday, a roadside bomb explosion targeted a convoy of Somalia’s president near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. According to the Somali government’s Information Ministry, this attack was described as a “cowardly act of desperation” by the militant group al-Shabab, which later claimed responsibility. While no official death toll was reported, witnesses mentioned observing at least three bodies at the scene, though the president himself remained unharmed.

Al-Shabab, known for its opposition to Somalia’s federal government, has a history of conducting violent attacks, particularly against government officials and military personnel in the region. Despite ongoing military operations led by Somali troops and African Union peacekeepers, the group retains control over certain rural areas and continues to pose a significant security threat.

The explosion occurred shortly after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud departed from the palace grounds, en route to the main airport and subsequently to Middle Shabelle to supervise military efforts against al-Shabab. Witnesses at the scene provided harrowing accounts, one stating, “three people lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust and debris,” while another noted two casualties nearby.

In response to the bombing, the British Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the violence and reiterated its support for Somalia’s counterterrorism strategies. The embassy asserted, “The UK remains a steadfast partner of the Somali government as they fight the violent extremists responsible for this despicable attack.” Meanwhile, the Somali government has reportedly intensified its military campaign against al-Shabab in recent months, achieving territorial gains in various regions including Middle Shabelle.

The recent roadside bomb targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy highlights the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia. Despite the attack resulting in casualties, the president was uninjured. The government is intensifying military operations against the militant group, receiving international support, notably from the UK, in their counterterrorism efforts. The ongoing violence illustrates the challenges facing Somalia’s federal government as it combats extremism.

Original Source: www.wral.com