18 perish in Mogadishu twin assault as security forces put up a brave fight

Al-Shabaab militants Friday evening launched twin assaults in separate places in Mogadishu claiming 18 lives and injuring more than 20 others a day after the government warned of an impending attack.

Galant security forces fought off the militants and neutralized them as they attempted to make way into the presidential palace shortly after the first vehicle loaded with explosives went off near the Intelligence Headquarters in KM Zero. Reports indicate it was targeting the newly opened Dorbin Hotel.

Mogadishu Mayor Abdirahman Yarisow said most of the victims of the attack were young people heading to their homes from the nearby Liddo beach. Majority of the victims were from the first attack. One security officer manning the Presidential Palace paid the ultimate price as he fended off the five militants who drove in a police fashioned pickup vehicle.

Aamin Ambulance Director Abdirahman Abdikadir told Goobjoog News 18 people died and 20 others were wounded.

The attacks which the militant group Al-Shabaaab claimed responsibility went off script from previous attacks by the group. In several attacks in the past, the group has always trained its assault on one target either through single Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosives (VBIED) with fighters or without. But in Friday’s attack, the militants went for two locations putting security forces on a frenzied mode as they fought off attacks in two places.

Pictures from the scene indicated the militants were clad in the newly commissioned Somali Police uniforms and also drove in a pickup vehicle used by the police. They penetrated the first checkpoint at Sayid Hotel but raised suspicion. Security forces fired at them as they sped off past the Lower House buildings before five of the militants jumped off the vehicle as the driver drove into the first entrance of Villa Somalia and went burst.

The five engaged the security forces in sustained gunfire before they were neutralized but one hiding in a nearby building went firing until he was felled down about an hour later.

Interior Minister Mohamed Islow had warned Thursday of a coming attack noting there was a minivan loaded with explosives within the city. This also came after almost week-long heightened security operations in major city roads. Forces cordoned off the Tre Piano-Banaadir stretch Wednesday as they hunted for the ill-fated vehicle.

GOOBJOOG NEWS