Mortars were fired at the airport in Mogadishu as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived for an official visit. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present to welcome him during the incident. The city is under a strict lockdown for security, and discussions between the leaders will focus on bilateral relations, including trade and security efforts.
In the Somali capital of Mogadishu, several mortars were reportedly fired towards the airport coinciding with the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Local media indicated that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the VIP area of the airport to receive the Prime Minister during this unsettling event. The city is currently under a strict lockdown as a security measure amid these tensions.
A security official confirmed to Anadolu Agency that some of the mortars landed in proximity to the Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport, although there was no immediate report of casualties. This incident unfolds as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrives in Mogadishu for an official visit, during which he is expected to discuss various bilateral matters with President Mohamud, including security cooperation and trade relations.
The meeting between the two leaders follows a diplomatic thaw represented by the Ankara Declaration, which ended a year-long standoff between Ethiopia and Somalia. The Ankara Declaration was established in December during negotiations facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The commitment to exchange state visits will further strengthen ties between the two nations.
In summary, the firing of mortars towards the Mogadishu airport marks a significant security concern during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit. This incident highlights the fragile security situation in Somalia and the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to improve relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. As discussions between the two leaders progress, the focus remains on enhancing collaboration in various sectors.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
