Al Shabaab militants targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy in a bomb attack in Mogadishu; the president was confirmed safe. This event marks the first direct attack on Mohamud since 2014. Following the incident, the president appeared in active conflict zones, demonstrating the government’s response to ongoing militant threats.
On Tuesday, Al Shabaab militants launched a bomb attack targeting Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud while his motorcade was en route through Mogadishu. Fortunately, two senior officials confirmed the president’s safety, and presidential adviser Zakariye Hussein reported on X that he was in good health and on his way to engage on the front lines. Witnesses, including soldiers and local residents, confirmed the attack on the convoy and noted that four individuals were killed nearby the presidential palace.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, asserting that their fighters targeted the president’s convoy as it departed the presidential palace for the airport. This event marks the first direct assault on President Mohamud since 2014, during his initial term, when the group attacked a hotel where he was addressing the public. Although Al Shabaab frequently executes assaults in Somalia as part of their extensive campaign against the government, this offensive stands out due to its direct targeting of the state leader.
In the hours following the attack, state media broadcast images of President Mohamud in the Adan Yabal district, where Somali government forces have been engaged in a fight against a recent Al Shabaab offensive. His continued presence in conflict areas underscores the government’s resolve in countering the insurgent threat.
In summary, the recent bomb attack targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud by Al Shabaab highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in Somalia. Despite this assault, President Mohamud remains unharmed and is actively participating in government efforts to confront the insurgency. The government continues to combat Al Shabaab’s violent campaign, reaffirming its commitment to national security.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
