Somalia thwarts Al-Shabaab terrorist attack in the capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A keen security officer may have thwarted a would-be Al-Shabaab suicide attack in Somalia this week, details have now emerged, an incident which shows that most security officers have taken their roles seriously amid the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.

The soldier, officials say, confronted a man who was wearing a suicide vest forcing him to detonate and kill himself. The man was reportedly on his way to a city restaurant where a bomber killed 5 people back in September before the guard intercepted him.

According to authorities, the incident happened near the Sayidka junction, a critical security post for the Somali Presidential Palace. The presidential palace hosts President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his critical staff and is often targeted by the militants.

Further reports indicate the bomber targeting Baar Bulsho, a restaurant adjacent to the Sayidka intersection. The heroic security guard is yet to be identified but has won accolades from members of the public and those in the security sector.

Somalia has embarked on a serious war against Al-Shabaab militants, with the first phase targeting HirShabelle and Galmadug states. According to reports, the first phase left over 3,000 militants dead and several others injured, with the security team returning to the two states for a combing exercise.

The second phase is set to begin soon and will target Jubaland and Southwest states. The US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] will be assisting the Somalia National Army to reclaim some of the territories that are yet to be liberated.

Somalia is expected to take over security responsibilities from ATMIS by the end of 2024, but the slowed operations may derail the events. The military has somehow managed to liberate several areas from the militants, but President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud believes "there is much which can be achieved".

GAROWE ONLINE