(21-Feb-23) Mogadishu, Somalia – Al-Shabaab gunmen attack army general’s home in Abdicasis district in Mogadishu, where wounded soldiers from Mawisley in the Hiran region were being treated, sparking heavy fighting and security concerns.
The attack, which began with explosives, was met with resistance from government forces, leading to a shootout between Al-Shabaab fighters and the house’s security guards. Heavy fighting is still ongoing in the area, and the Haramcad army has been deployed as backup to aid the security forces.
The assault has increased security concerns in Mogadishu, which has seen a rise in killings and bombings by the Al-Shabaab group in recent weeks. The house that was attacked is situated near the new immigration center, and the sound of heavy explosions can be heard from the area.
The targeted home, which belonged to a military general, is located next to the residence of Senator Ali Shabaan, the 1st Deputy Speaker of the Upper House, and the area is also known to house high-ranking government officials.The attack has also raised questions about how Al-Shabaab managed to breach the heavy security in Abdicasis district. This has heightened concerns about the government’s ability to maintain law and order in the city. With the Al-Shabaab group continuing to launch attacks on various targets, it remains to be seen what measures the government will take to address the growing security concerns in Mogadihsu.
