On Tuesday, Al-Shabaab militants targeted the motorcade of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a bomb attack near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. Officials from the government say that Mohamud was not injured and is continuing his work, with his adviser stating he was “good and well”.
The president’s convoy came under fire during the attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals. The Al-Shabaab terrorist group, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility through a message on Telegram, stating that their fighters targeted the convoy as it was making its way to the airport.
This is the first time there has been a direct attempt on Mohamud’s life since the hotel bombing back in 2014, when he was president. Al-Shabaab has been fighting a long-term insurgency to topple Somalia’s government, which is supported by the West, and they often carry out attacks in the capital.
Hours after the attack, state media showed Mohamud in Adan Yabal, a region where Somali forces are fighting Al Shabaab. They recently started offensive operations as the government tries to reclaim territory.