Al-Shabaab detonated a bomb in Mogadishu shortly after a presidential convoy passed, damaging buildings and injuring civilians. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was unharmed and pledged continued military action against the group, which has a long history of violent conflict with the government. This incident highlights the persistent threat to stability in Somalia.
On Tuesday, the Al-Shabaab militant group executed a bomb attack in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, shortly after a presidential convoy had traversed the area, which resulted in the destruction of a building and damage to vehicles. According to government sources, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was en route to Hirshabelle state to oversee an impending military offensive against Al-Shabaab.
A security official relayed to AFP, “The explosion went off along the road in Hamar-Jajab area, destroying a civilian-populated building,” while witness Nurto Ali recounted the moment saying, “The convoy of the president passed… and we heard a very heavy explosion,” noting the tragic scene of a man trapped under debris.
Somali National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh Ali confirmed via X that President Mohamud was unharmed, asserting that “the nation cannot be intimidated.” Witness Farhan Abdullahi reported that several passengers sustained injuries from a vehicle struck by the explosion.
The attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab, occurring just a week after militants assaulted a hotel in central Somalia, resulting in nine fatalities. For over 15 years, Al-Shabaab has been engaged in violent confrontations with the federal government, frequently executing fatal attacks in Mogadishu and its surroundings, despite being expelled from the city by African Union forces in 2011.
President Mohamud has committed to a vigorous campaign against Al-Shabaab, with the military collaborating with local militias in a coordinated effort supported by African Union forces and U.S. air strikes.
The recent bombing in Mogadishu by Al-Shabaab underscores the continuing threat the group poses to Somalia’s stability. Despite the government’s efforts and the president’s assurances of safety, the attack reflects the ongoing violence and unrest in the region. With military campaigns underway, the commitment against Al-Shabaab remains strong, highlighting the critical focus on national security and public safety.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
