MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab said on Thursday it had killed senior western officials and African Union peacekeepers in an attack on the heavily fortified Halane base in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
“[The attack] resulted in the deaths of four senior western officials and 13 African crusaders. The blessed attack also resulted in the injury of 15 other African crusaders and the loss of property, as the Mujahideen set parts of the complex ablaze,” Al-Shabaab said in a statement.
Earlier, a spokesman for Somali police said six people – a Somali national and five foreigners, including African Union soldiers had been killed in the assault which was ended by Somali government troops after hours-long gunfight. An international diplomatic security memo seen by Reuters news agency said two security guards, thought to be Kenyan nationals, and Somali police officer were also killed in the incident. read more
Militants also carried out twin bombings in the central town of Baladweyne where dozens of people have been killed, including an MP critic of the incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and his administration.
“The Mujahideen also carried out two successive attacks on the Lama-Galay apostate base in the city of Beledweyn, Hiiraan region, killing at least 47 apostates and injuring more than 90 others, amongst them senior government officials, election candidates, high ranking army commanders and apostate soldiers,” Al-Shabaab added.
Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe told a press conference on Thursday that death toll from the blasts soared to 48 with more than 108 people wounded, in what a local police official said was the deadliest assault in the town since 2009 when insurgents killed Somali security Minister Omar Hashi in a similar incident. read more
Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, the President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, opposition leaders and international partners condemned the deadly attacks and sent condolences to the families of victims.
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