Mogadishu, (Idil News) – An assassination attempt by the militant group al-Shabaab on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy in Mogadishu on Tuesday left at least 10 people dead, including seven presidential guards, and 20 others injured, a security source in the capital told Idil News. Among the victims was Mohamed Abukar Dabashe, a prominent Somali journalist, marking him as the first journalist killed in the country this year.
The explosion, which rocked the El-Gaabta Junction, was confirmed by Somali authorities as a targeted attack by al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group that has waged a long insurgency against the federal government.
A hospital director in Mogadishu warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of injuries sustained in the blast.
Dabashe, an independent online journalist and former reporter for Risaala Media, was near the site of the bombing when it occurred, according to family and colleagues. His body was recovered shortly after the attack. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned the killing, calling it a “cowardly attack” and extending condolences to Dabashe’s family and the broader media community.
In a statement, the Somali government said, “Al-Shabaab, facing heavy defeats, attempted a failed attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy in Mogadishu today. The cowardly act resulted in civilian casualties, but the President safely reached his destination. The fight against terror continues.”
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed condemned the Mogadishu bombing and extended his condolences to all those killed, including journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabashe.
Later, MP Abdullahi Hashi Abib and former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon also denounced the attack. Additionally, Puntland’s current Interior Minister, Abdi Farah Said Juxaa, condemned what he described as a “foolish, cowardly attack.”
International condemnation followed swiftly, with the United Kingdom and Ukraine voicing support for Somalia’s government.
The UK called the attack “despicable,” reaffirming its partnership with Mogadishu in combating extremism, while Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with efforts to promote peace and security in the country.
The aftermath of the bombing has heightened security concerns in the capital. Most foreign diplomats have relocated to Nairobi, and Somali staff working for the United Nations have been instructed to remain at home, a UN source said. Travel restrictions have also been imposed on senior UN officials to three southern Somali cities until further notice.
The assassination attempt underscores the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, despite ongoing military operations by Somali forces and their international partners. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous high-profile attacks in Somalia, often targeting government officials and civilians alike.
In his first term, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been attempted to assassinated multiple times, including in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The only confirmed fatalities from these attempts were eight people in 2012. While the group has tried several times, this latest attack is the deadliest and comes after a 10-year gap.
Reporting by Idil News; Additional contributions from Abdalle Ahmed Mumin and UN sources.