Somali president survives assassination attempt in Mogadishu

The Somali government announced a "failed" assassination attempt targeting the country's president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in the capital, Mogadishu, on Tuesday.

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement that "at approximately 10:32 a.m. (07:32 GMT), an explosion targeted the president's convoy in the Hamar Jajab neighborhood of Mogadishu, while he was on his way to join frontline forces in Hirshabelle State (south-central) to break his Ramadan fast with the brave soldiers."

She stressed that "the attack completely failed, and the president continued on his way without any hindrance."

The ministry stressed that "this desperate act, which tragically resulted in civilian casualties, highlights the declining capabilities of the terrorists in light of the successive defeats they are suffering at the hands of the Somali National Army."

She noted that "the security services are conducting a comprehensive investigation, and further details will be announced in due course."

She stressed that "Somalia's resolve to combat terrorism is unwavering. With the unity of the nation and the unwavering support of international partners, the forces of extremism will be decisively defeated, paving the way for a future of peace and stability."

While the government statement did not provide precise details about the attack, a Somali police officer told Anadolu Agency that an explosive device exploded on the side of the road at the Ail Jabta intersection in the Hamar Jajab neighborhood, near the presidential palace.

At least four people, including a journalist, were killed as a result, according to the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

For its part, the Al-Shabaab movement, linked to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted the Somali president's convoy as it was heading to Mogadishu International Airport.

In the same context, Hussein Sheikh Ali, the Somali president's national security advisor, confirmed that the president is well and on the front lines of the fight against terrorist organizations.

"This country cannot be intimidated by hypocrisy and exaggerated lies," he said in a statement on the X platform following the attack.

In a separate statement, Sheikh Ali stressed that "the Somali people's rejection of the terrorist groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS is our greatest achievement," adding that "strengthening governance and unity of purpose will ensure victory over these groups."

In a related context, the Somali presidency confirmed in a statement that President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud had arrived in the city of Adan Yabale in Middle Shabelle Province (southeast), as part of his efforts to support ongoing military operations against the terrorist Al-Shabaab militia.

The President is later scheduled to travel to Mogo Kore in Hiran region (central Somalia), where he will meet with army officers and the local forces' leadership, Ma'wesle, to discuss the progress of military operations and enhance coordination between various combat units.

Source: Anadolu Agency