(10-02-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — A devastating assault was carried out at the General Gordon military base in Mogadishu on Saturday evening, where United Arab Emirates (UAE) military instructors were stationed, leading to the death of three Emirati personnel. This violent act, perpetrated by Hassan Mohamed, a soldier who had recently concluded his military training at the military camp, illustrates a concerning escalation in violence. Mohamed, armed with a machine gun at the time of the incident, opened fire on the Emirati trainers before being fatally shot in a subsequent gun battle.
The militant group al-Shabaab has taken responsibility for this attack, indicating a deliberate targeting of foreign military support personnel in Somalia. The attacker’s association with the group and the use of heavy weaponry underscore the severe threat posed by al-Shabaab to stabilization efforts in the region.
The assault caused a death toll that has officially been placed at 13, surpassing initial reports. This includes several foreign officers of undetermined nationalities and Somali military staff, illustrating the attack’s broad impact. Additionally, more than 10 soldiers were injured in the incident, further highlighting the severity of the attack.
Al-Shabaab’s admission, specifically mentioning their “Inghimasi” fighters — militants prepared to die in combat — underscores the persistent risk of insider threats among forces being groomed to counteract terrorist activities. This incident raises significant alarms regarding the security protocols in place at military training facilities.
To date, there has been no formal response from the Somali government or the UAE embassy in Mogadishu regarding this tragic event. It’s important to note that the UAE and Somalia entered into a controversial security pact last February, a deal that has yet to be presented to Parliament for approval. Additionally, the UAE plays a crucial role in funding and training Somali military personnel, who are directly under Emirati command.
Halqabsi News
