Mortar

Mortar Attacks Close to Somalia's Presidential Palace Claim Lives and Devastate Many MOGADISHU, Somalia — As dawn broke over the vibrant city of Mogadishu on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, tragedy struck unexpectedly. Mortar shells descended upon several districts of the bustling capital, punctuating the morning stillness with chaos and sorrow. These attacks tragically claimed the lives of two individuals, including a bright-eyed 12-year-old girl full of dreams, and left five others nursing…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, the calm of various neighborhoods in Mogadishu was shattered by the sound of mortar shells raining down upon Hamarweyne, Hamar Jajab, and Shibis districts. This unsettling attack coincided with Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission’s (NIEC) ongoing voter registration efforts across the capital, a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic journey. Emerging reports paint a troubling picture: at least one individual has lost their life, while three…

Mogadishu Airport and Halane Camp Face Al-Shabaab Mortar Attacks MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the quiet stillness of the early hours, just as the city was rousing itself from slumber, an unexpected jolt shattered the calm. Al-Shabaab militants launched mortar attacks targeting Mogadishu’s international airport and the adjacent Halane military base. This brazen act once again raised questions about the fragile security state in this East African nation. With two civilians injured and communities rattled, there is much to ponder…

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning, the tranquility in Mogadishu was abruptly shattered as smoke billowed ominously over parts of this sprawling city. Residents watched, bewildered and fearful, as mortar shells targeted areas teeming with life — notably, the vicinity of the National Theater, a cultural beacon that usually promises escapism and joy. Instead, on this fateful April 5th of 2025, it found itself at the heart of an unsettling scene. Mogadishu (AX) — Be it the pulsating heart of a city square or the serene…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia, amidst the daily hustle and bustle of Afgooye district in the Lower Shabelle region, tragedy struck on a day otherwise unremarkable. On Monday, echoes of dread vibrated through the air as several mortar shells rained down, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the fallen was a dedicated police officer, Hussein Haji Mohamed, who many knew fondly as Aw Koombe. His story intertwines with the chaotic narratives of many who serve their communities every day. Around ten mortars…

A Close Encounter in Mogadishu's Heavily Secured Zone In what can only be described as a brazen act of aggression, the heavily fortified Halane compound in Mogadishu, situated near the Aden Adde International Airport, found itself under siege. This isn't just any ordinary target; it's one of the most meticulously guarded areas in all of Somalia. This compound serves as a hub for the United Nations, African Union officials, and a multitude of foreign embassies. But who dares to strike at such a consortium of international…

Ethiopian PM Arrives in Mogadishu to Warm Welcome Amid Nearby Mortar Attack By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - Amid the bustling rhythms of Mogadishu, enveloped by the warmth of hospitality typical of this resilient city, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived on what seemed, at first blush, just a typical sunny Thursday morning. Yet, the day's narrative unfolded differently, marked not just by warm welcomes but also by the…

FILE PHOTOA mortar round launched by al-Shabab struck a base inside the confines of Mogadishu’s international airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two African Union soldiers and injuring another.Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed deep condemnation for the assault on the Halane Base Camp. Speaking on behalf of ATMIS, he noted, “This brutal attack will not dissuade us or the…

Baidoa (AX) — In a burst of conflict, Ethiopian forces fire mortars across Somalia's Bakool region in Wajid district after an al-Shabaab raid on their military outpost Friday night, as locals recount.The clash escalated into a fierce battle involving both Ethiopian troops and al-Shabaab fighters, with heavy artillery being employed on both sides. Witnesses noted the significant shelling by Ethiopian forces responding to the initial onslaught.While specifics on casualties are scarce, local leaders have yet to share an…

Mortar attacks are targeted at the UN, AU's headquarters in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least three civilians were killed and five wounded when a mortar blockade on UN and African Union peacekeeping missions (AMISOM) in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Thursday said a police officer. Abdi Yusuf, a police officer in Mogadishu's Dharkinley district, told the Anadolu Agency by…