Al Shabaab militants targeted Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a bomb attack on his convoy in Mogadishu. The president was unharmed, with several casualties reported. This attack marks the first direct assault on him since 2014. Following the incident, he was seen visiting conflict areas where government forces are combating al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab militants launched an attack on the motorcade of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu on Tuesday. According to officials, the president emerged unharmed from the incident, with presidential adviser Zakariye Hussein confirming his safety via a post on X, stating that he is “good and well on his way to the front lines.” Witnesses reported casualties, with four individuals confirmed dead near the presidential palace.
The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, announcing it aimed at the convoy transporting the president as he departed the palace for the airport. This marks a significant event as it is the first direct attack targeting President Mohamud by al Shabaab since 2014, when militants bombed a hotel where he was addressing attendees.
Following the assault, state media broadcast images of President Mohamud visiting the Adan Yabal district of Middle Shabelle, which has been the location of ongoing military engagements between government forces and al Shabaab militants. This situation highlights the persistent threat posed by al Shabaab in their efforts to destabilize the Somali government.
In summary, the recent bombing attempt on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s motorcade underscores the continued threat posed by al Shabaab in Somalia. Despite the attack resulting in tragic casualties, President Mohamud remains safe and continues to engage with military operations against the militants in the region. This incident exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by the Somali government in its fight against terrorism.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
