A bomb exploded near Somalia’s presidential palace, targeting President Mohamud’s convoy. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility, calling the attack a desperate act. Witnesses reported three bodies at the scene, although the president was unharmed. Al-Shabab remains a significant threat despite ongoing military efforts against it.
A roadside bomb detonated near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Tuesday, according to government sources. The attack was indicated to target the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Information Ministry described the incident as a “cowardly act of desperation” executed by the militant group al-Shabab, who has claimed responsibility for the bombing without specifying any fatalities. However, witnesses reported seeing three bodies at the site of the explosion.
President Mohamud reportedly emerged from the incident unscathed. Al-Shabab, known for its opposition to Somalia’s federal government, routinely conducts attacks against officials and military personnel in the region. Despite ongoing military campaigns involving government forces and African Union peacekeepers, the group continues to maintain control over certain rural areas, representing a substantial threat.
The explosion occurred shortly after the President’s convoy departed from the palace en route to the main airport, where he was scheduled to oversee military operations in Middle Shabelle against al-Shabab. The militant group took credit for the attack via a website associated with their organization. Witnesses at the scene described the aftermath, with one, Ayub Osman, stating he saw “three people lying on the ground, motionless, covered in dust and debris,” while another, Hassan Nur, reported seeing two bodies.
The roadside bomb attack in Mogadishu serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia. While President Mohamud was unharmed during this particular incident, the attack reflects the group’s persistence in targeting government forces and officials. The incident highlights the continuing challenges the Somali government faces despite international support and military operations against insurgents.
Original Source: www.startribune.com
