Al-Shabaab launches multiple overnight attacks in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Heavy gunfire and loud explosions rocked Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu Tuesday night at 1.00am after suspected Al-Shabaab insurgents attacked Kahda, Yaqshid and Daynile districts located on the fringes of the city. 

The militant group attacked police stations in Elasha-Biyaha, El-Janaale and Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods, all in Mogadishu and its outskirts.

According to sources, the militants first bombed a police station in Kahda district resulting in fire that destroyed the station. and reportedly carted away two government vehicles.

Shortly thereafter, a car bomb exploded at a government base in Dar es Salaam area killing at least two people and wounding several others. The attack is believed to have targeted the Heliwa District Commissioner, Ahmed Nur Aderow.

Mortar shells also hit neighbourhoods in between Shibis and Shangaani districts of Mogadishu causing extensive damage to houses with fear of casualties reported.

Somali Security Minister Abdullahi Mohamed Nur also confirmed the attacks but said security forces had successfully repulsed the attackers.

The militant group has intensified attacks in Mogadishu and the regions as the country is in the midst of a long-running election that has also been characterised by unceasing squabbles between the Prime Minister and outgoing President.