A Mogadishu attack utilizing a bomb and guns conducted by members of the Al-Shabab armed group targeting the mayor's office resulted in the death of at least five individuals said the ministry of information.
The attackers allegedly charged into the block that housed the office of the area's mayor at around noon. On Sunday, officials said they engaged in a firefight with security forces guarding the office.
Mogadishu Bombing Attack
There were reports that security forces later killed six of the attacking group's members and were able to clear the area by roughly 6:00 p.m., a post on Facebook said. The attack comes as the Al-Shabab armed group has recently increased the frequency and deadliness of its assaults to show its resilience.
Their determination comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government recently launched an offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked group last August. In a statement, Farah Abdullahi, who works in the mayor's office, said that they were inside the building and were suddenly deafened by the blast, forcing them outside, where they could hear gunfire, as per Aljazeera.
In a statement, the director of Aamin Ambulance Services, Abdikadir Abdirahman, said that 16 people were injured because of the attack. The mayor's office is situated in the local government headquarters building in a well-guarded area of Mogadishu.
The armed group later released a statement that its bombers were able to strike the building and were followed up by foot fighters who stormed the establishment after killing the guards. Al-Shabab has continuously fought against the government since 2006 and plans to impose its interpretation of Islamic law. It is known to conduct bombings and gun attacks nationwide frequently.
On Sunday, there were reports that regional and Somalia federal forces launched attacks on the Al-Shabab armed group and were able to take control of Janay Abdale town. It was a sign that the government was beginning to expand its offensive against the group in the southern parts of Somalia.
Al-Shabab Armed Group
The roads in the area of the attack were equipped with concrete barriers and multiple roadblocks. According to Reuters, the mayor's office was also located roughly 1.5 km from Villa Somalia, the office of the country's president.
Deputy Mayor Isse Gure said that all top government officials, except Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale, were in the area at the time of the attack. The official also noted that troops were alert and were able to minimize casualties dealt by the Al-Shabab armed group.
He said that security forces could rescue officials and staffers inside the building and confirmed that one local government staffer with special needs was among the casualties. The armed group, in a Telegram post, claimed the deaths of 34 people, which include administrative workers, officials, officers, and soldiers. However, the group's claim has not yet been independently verified.
Abdiaziz Ahmed Barrow, a Somali stringer, said that he was in Hamarweyne when the blast occurred. The place he was at was only a short travel away from the source of the explosion, told the Voice of America News.
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