The Al-Shabaab group detonated a bomb in Mogadishu shortly after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy passed. The attack destroyed a civilian building and injured many. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the group and the Somali government, which is intensifying its military campaign against the militants.
On Tuesday, the Al-Shabaab militant group executed a bomb attack targeting a presidential convoy in Mogadishu, Somalia, shortly after the convoy had passed, resulting in the destruction of a building and damage to several vehicles. Reports indicate that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was en route to Hirshabelle state, where military operations against Al-Shabaab are anticipated to escalate.
According to a security official, “The explosion went off along the road in Hamar-Jajab area, destroying a civilian-populated building,” while witness Nurto Ali recounted hearing a powerful explosion just after the presidential convoy passed, noting that one individual was trapped under debris. Moreover, another witness, Farhan Abdullahi, mentioned that numerous passengers were injured due to a vehicle involved in the blast.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for this incident, which follows a recent attack on a hotel by the group, resulting in nine fatalities. Having engaged in conflict with the federal government for more than 15 years, Al-Shabaab continues to launch deadly assaults in Mogadishu and surrounding areas, despite being expelled from the city by African Union forces in 2011. They maintain a presence in rural locales.
In response to the ongoing threats, the Somali president has vowed to declare a total war against Al-Shabaab. The military, in cooperation with local militias and supported by African Union forces and U.S. airstrikes, is preparing to intensify its military campaign against the group.
The Al-Shabaab group almost successfully assassinated the Somali president through a recent bombing that targeted his convoy. Although the president remained unharmed, the attack inflicted civilian casualties and destruction, illustrating the ongoing threat posed by the group. Somalia’s commitment to combating Al-Shabaab intensifies, with military operations planned in collaboration with local forces, signaling a decisive approach towards ensuring national security.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
