Defense minister salutes fallen officer killed in Villa Somalia attack

Presidential Guard squad officer Bishar (encircled) died during the presidential palace attack February 24, 2018. Photo: courtesy

Defense Minister Mohamed Mursal has hailed fallen Presidential security officer who died Friday as he and his colleagues fought off Al-Shabaab militants attempting to gain entry into the presidential palace.

Mursal said elite squad officer Bishar attached to the 60th Division of the Presidential Guard paid the ultimate price defending the nation.

“May Allah grant mercy on Bishar who was part of 60th division of Somalia’s presidential guards killed while defending the nation,” said Mursal in a twitter post.

The security forces engaged the militants for about an hour Friday night before bring all the five down. The militants who drove in a police fashioned pick-up and clad in police uniform jumped off the vehicle near the first entrance of Villa Somalia and a fierce gunfight erupted.

Another group of militants launched an attack near the intelligence headquarters in kilometre zero killing 18 people and wounding 20 others.

Somalis online also praised the officer for his relentless efforts to ensure the president’s residence is secure.