In a bold attack on Somalia’s leadership, Al Shabaab militants targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s motorcade in Mogadishu on Tuesday. Despite the attempt, the president escaped unscathed, according to government officials and eyewitness accounts.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred as President Mohamud’s convoy left the Presidential Palace, Villa Somalia, and headed toward the airport. The Al Qaeda-linked militant group claimed responsibility for the bombing through a statement on its Telegram channel.
Soldiers and local residents confirmed the explosion hit the convoy, and a Reuters journalist at the scene reported seeing the bodies of four victims.
Presidential adviser Zakariye Hussein reassured the public via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The president is safe and on his way to the front lines.”
Al Shabaab’s Campaign of Violence
Al Shabaab, which has waged a decades-long insurgency to overthrow the Somali government, has conducted numerous attacks targeting officials and civilians. However, this was the first direct attempt on President Mohamud since 2014, during his previous term in office, when militants bombed a hotel where he was addressing a gathering.
The group claimed its fighters aimed to assassinate Mohamud as part of its ongoing efforts to destabilize the nation.
President Resumes Duties Despite Threats
Hours after the attack, Somali state media broadcasted images of the president in the Adan Yabal district of Middle Shabelle. This region is currently the epicenter of a military campaign against a new Al Shabaab offensive that began three weeks ago.
The president’s presence at the front lines underscores his commitment to counterterrorism efforts, even in the face of personal danger.
Global Implications
The attack highlights Somalia’s ongoing security challenges as it battles Al Shabaab’s entrenched network. The international community continues to support Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its governance and military capacity to confront such threats.
