Mogadishu: The Al-Shabaab Islamist group claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Tuesday, moments after a presidential convoy had passed through the area. The blast destroyed a building and damaged several vehicles.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, government sources confirmed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was on his way to Hirshabelle state, where the army is reportedly planning a significant offensive against Al-Shabaab. A security official reported that the explosion occurred in the Hamar-Jajab area, causing destruction to a civilian-populated building.
Witness Nurto Ali stated, “The convoy of the president passed… and we heard a very heavy explosion,” describing the scene as he saw a man buried under rubble. Despite the attack, the government announced that the president arrived safely at his destination, as planned.
Another witness reported to media outlets that several passengers were injured in a car damaged by the explosion. However, the government has not confirmed if anyone was hurt in the incident.
The attack follows a recent assault by Al-Shabaab militants on a hotel in central Somalia, which resulted in nine deaths. The group has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the federal government for over 15 years, frequently carrying out attacks in Mogadishu and other areas.
Although African Union forces expelled Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu in 2011, the group remains active in rural regions. President Mohamud has vowed a comprehensive military campaign against Al-Shabaab, with support from local militias, the African Union, and US air strikes.