Al-Shabaab strikes Halane Base Camp which houses Western Embassies

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A few hours after narrowly missing the vehicle carrying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Al-Shabaab militants targeted Halane Base Camp in the vicinity of the Aden Adde International Airport, raising concerns about the increasing terror incidents in the country.

The militants took responsibility for the attack targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, leaving a journalist and three others dead. At Halane Base Camp, the militants used a mortar for the attack, targeting one of the most secured zones in Somalia that houses the United Nations, African Union officials, and multiple foreign embassies.

Local security sources confirmed that at least two projectiles landed inside the compound, including near the Movement Control (Movcon) area where UN personnel board aircraft. However, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Additional security measures have been taken after the militants heightened their activities in the country, with security teams being deployed in areas of national interest in Somalia.

In Middle Shabelle, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who visited soldiers on the frontlines, was accompanied by the Somali National Army chief Maj. Gen. Yusuf Odawa, NISA Director Abdullahi Sanbalolshe, and Military Court Chief Hassan Ali Shute.

The four held an open meeting in Moqokori with local fighters, Hirshabelle officials, and elders. The President commended the community’s resilience in the fight against the Al-Shabaab, state media reports.

On Wednesday, the European Union strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which targeted the convoy of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

"We are dismayed by this heinous act that has claimed the lives of innocent civilians," read the statement. "The EU commends President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has reached the frontlines to support the Somali National Army in its efforts to fight al-Shabaab."

"The EU and Somalia share a close partnership, notably under the EU–Somalia Joint Operational Roadmap. The EU remains a steadfast supporter of Somalia’s state-building process, including in the security sector," it further said while pledging support for the soldiers on the battlefield.

Al-Shabaab militants usually take advantage of the Holy month of Ramadhan to initiate attacks across the country, mostly targeting senior government officials, government installations, military officials and innocent civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE