Terrorist attack in Mogadishu leaves nine dead

A suicide car bombing on Sunday evening killed at least nine people in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. The bombing was followed by a shootout between Al Shabab militants and security forces at Hotel Afrik near the airport. A police spokesman said that fighting continued until early hours of Monday. 

“The operation is over now. Nine people including four attackers died and over 10 civilians were injured,” Sadik Ali, told reporters from the scene and via Facebook.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said in a statement that former military general Mohamed Nur Galal was among those killed in Monday’s attack.

“I condemn the barbaric attack,” he said. “General Mohamed Nur Galal will be remembered for his over 50 year role in defending the country.”

Afrik Hotel is a popular hotel located near the Mogadishu airport and is frequented by government officials, members of the security forces and community leaders. Al Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al Shabab insurgency carries out regular attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in an insurgency  that has been ongoing since 2008 as part of an attempt to overthrow Somalia’s internationally-backed central government and establish its rule, based on its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. The group was driven out of Mogadishu by government forces backed by 20,000 African Union peacekeepers in 2011. The group still controls territories outsides the large cities from where it plans its attacks. 

Under Donald Trump's presidency, the United States pulled out military personnel who were assisting local forces to mitigate high-level security risks. Al Shabab has pledged to disrupt presidential elections which are scheduled to be held in Somalia next Monday. 
 

 

Source: commonspace.eu with various agencies
Picture: Security and first-aid personnel outside the attack location (Twitter:@BaloziHussein). 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.