MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali-based al-Shabaab militants targeted a senior military official in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on Saturday night in the latest wave of violence against officials and members of the military, who are essential in security operations.
Reports show that it took place around Afisyooni, where Somali leaders were to convene a meeting on the crisis ahead of elections this week. This is the second attack in the area, an indication that the militants are eager to paralyze talks.
According to police, one person died and three others were seriously injured, including Lieutenant Colonel Omar Abdirahman, a senior Somali military officer who sustained serious injuries in a bomb blast that hit his vehicle in Mogadishu last night.
A police officer confirmed to Axadlethat the explosion was due to a landmine targeting a military colonel, Omar Abdirahman, who was wounded in the attack. It is not uncommon for militants to target military officers in the country.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility but did not immediately reveal why the military officer was targeted. But usually, members of the security forces have been the main targets of Al-Shabaab given the enormous role they play in restoring security in the country.
Al-Shabaab controls much of the rural areas of central and southern Somalia, but the group has lost its grip significantly in certain strategic cities in the country due to several operations carried out by members of the security forces.
Mogadishu has recently been a key target for the militants, raising concerns about the future of the coastal city. Politicians have gathered in the country for a series of political events, which will take place most of this week.
AXADLETM
