(24/07/23) MOGADISHU – A suicide bombing in the early hours of Monday has sent shockwaves through the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The attack occurred inside the Jaalle Siyaad military academy in the Hodan district, causing a steadily increasing number of fatalities amongst the soldiers of the 14th October Division. Initial reports, validated by military officials, confirm over 30 soldiers killed and 60 injured.
The attacker, reportedly dressed in a military uniform, detonated a jacket full of explosives amidst the assembly of soldiers freshly returned from their tour in Marko, Lower Shabelle. The devastating explosion revealed a meticulously planned assault, the responsibility for which has been claimed by Al-Shabaab, stating that they killed 73 soldiers and injured 124 others.
Commander Abdirahim Muunye of the 14 October Division highlighted the calculated nature of this attack, as the majority of the deceased soldiers were from the same community in Marko town. This points to a deliberate targeting of this specific unit, adding another chilling dimension to the already tragic event.
The attack appears to have been intended for Land Forces Commander, Gen. Ahmed Aden Ali, who was due to address the assembly but arrived minutes after the blast.
Since the Somali National Army initiated the second phase of its offensive against Al-Shabaab, as declared by the president, fierce engagements have been a frequent occurrence between SNA and Alshabaab. The government has recently claimed significant victories, asserting that they have successfully freed several territories from the grip of the militant group.
