Somalia: Al-Shabaab Suicide Bomber Attacks Military Academy in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The al-Shabaab militants targeted a military training base in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, in the latest wave of violence waged by the group, which is seeking to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

According to reports, the militants, through a suicide bomber, targeted Jaalle Siyaad military academy in Mogadishu, with multiple casualties reported according to sources. The government and the al-Shabaab are yet to issue the exact number of casualties.

The Ministry of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that a suicide bomber affiliated with the Al-Shabaab detonated an explosive device outside Jaalle Siyaad Military College in Mogadishu late Monday morning.

“An explosion occurred at around 11:20 AM this morning in front of Jaalle Siyaad College, carried out by a suicide bomber from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group,” the Ministry stated.

The militants have been waging serious attacks in various parts of the country, mainly targeting military bases and innocent civilians. Sources said a suicide bomber targeted soldiers, detonating an explosive vest.

The al-Shabaab militant group, in a statement, immediately claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at Jaalle Siyaad academy on Wednesday morning. The group did not immediately disclose their target for the attack, but it resembles previous incidents at military bases.

The incident comes in the wake of attacks across the country, leading to the seizure of the strategic Moqokori town in Hiiraan region, a critical supply route in the country. The militants have reportedly started collecting taxes from civilians in the town.

On the other hand, the government is under attack for allegedly shifting its priorities from defending the country from Al-Shabaab attacks to engaging in politics, with the main focus shifting to upcoming elections and the change of the constitution.

But Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said the government is committed to the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, adding that the group should be fought by all citizens, including women, who matter in the stability and development of the state.

“It is imperative that we liberate our country from the Al-Shabaab threat if we are to realize the Somalia we envision,” Barre said. “Somali women are at the heart of that vision. Their patriotism and resilience are vital to achieving our long-term national goals.”

It is not the first time the militants have targeted military bases. Previously, they have attacked American outposts in Kismayo and even the Balidogle airbase, with the Kenya Defence Forces also not spared in Kulbiyow and El-Adde, where many soldiers died a few years ago.

GAROWE ONLINE