(01-10-23) MOGADISHU — Updated information has surfaced concerning a series of devastating mortar attacks early Sunday morning in various districts of Mogadishu, resulting in numerous casualties, including fatalities and injuries.
A total of eight mortars were unleashed on the Somali capital. Among the locations struck was the Turkish military base, TurkSom Academy, where eyewitnesses reported that two mortars directly hit the installation. The Halane Camp was also targeted; staff reported hearing at least four explosions believed to be mortar fire. However, one of the most tragic incidents occurred in the Tarabush neighbourhood of Wadajir district, where an entire family was affected. Local sources confirm that a pregnant woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital, while four other family members sustained injuries.
Security officials have identified Kahda district in the Banadir region as the origin of the mortar attacks. It’s reported that Al-Shabaab operatives used a vehicle to ascend to higher ground in Kahda, from where they launched the mortars targeting Mogadishu’s residential and strategic locations.
Major Mohamed Abdulkadir Nur Geedi, who leads the Western Division of the local police force, is overseeing operations aimed at apprehending the Al-Shabaab members involved in this heinous act. Eyewitness reports corroborate the presence of Al-Shabaab militants on the hill from which the mortars were fired.
Although the situation is said to be currently stabilised, authorities have yet to release further details regarding ongoing operations or the progress of investigations into the attack.
This latest assault adds to a rising tally of targeted attacks executed by the Al-Shabaab militant group, often focusing on key establishments such as the presidential palace and the Halane camp. The timing of this attack is notably alarming, as it comes on the heels of a series of violent incidents in Mogadishu, including a suicide bombing near the presidential palace just this past Friday.
Halqabsi News
