A roadside bomb exploded near Somalia’s presidential palace targeting President Mohamud’s convoy. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility. Reports indicate three fatalities, while the president was unharmed. The UK Embassy condemned the attack, reiterating support for Somalia’s fight against extremism.
In Mogadishu, a roadside bomb targeting the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud exploded near the presidential palace on Tuesday. The Somali Information Ministry condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of desperation” by the militant group al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility. Although the government did not provide an official death toll, a witness reported three fatalities at the scene, while the president himself remained unharmed.
Al-Shabab, known for opposing Somalia’s federal government, regularly conducts bombings aimed at government officials and military forces throughout the region. Despite ongoing military drive from the Somali troops and African Union peacekeepers, the group maintains control over portions of rural Somalia, continuing to pose a significant threat.
The explosion occurred as President Mohamud was leaving the palace to oversee military operations in Middle Shabelle against al-Shabab. Witnesses at the scene described seeing fatalities lying on the ground. The British Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the attack, underscoring its commitment to support Somalia’s counterterrorism initiatives against violent extremism.
The roadside bomb attack in Mogadishu serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab against the Somali government. Despite the president’s safety and the commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, the incident highlights the ongoing violence and instability in the region. Allied support from international partners remains crucial to combating these extremist threats.
Original Source: www.wral.com
