MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday, just as mortar shells struck the city’s airport shortly before his plane landed.
Abiy was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of his government. He was then escorted to the presidential complex, where the two leaders are set to discuss the completion of the Ankara Agreement, brokered by Turkey last year.
In the lead-up to the visit, security measures were tightened across the city. Major roads were closed on Wednesday evening, preventing vehicles from accessing them. Several members of parliament reported being stopped by security forces while trying to return home, despite showing their identity cards.
The origin of the mortar shells remains unclear, given the heightened security, and there have been no immediate reports of casualties. The militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.
Earlier on Thursday, the group also launched an assault on the town of Bal’ad, located 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, briefly taking control of the strategic town.
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