MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – At least six mortar shells struck the heavily-fortified Halane camp in Somalia’s capital on Sunday, housing foreign diplomatic missions, in the second such attack in Mogadishu within 24 hours. Several other projectiles landed near Aden Adde International Airport, disrupting flights and triggering panic across the city.
The barrage, whose thunderous detonations reverberated through Mogadishu, forced the cancellation of a Turkish Airlines flight and sent many scrambling for cover. Stray shells hit residential areas in Wadajir district, wounding at least two civilians, according to local broadcaster Kulmiye Radio.
The Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab, which has intensified assaults in recent weeks, claimed responsibility for a similar attack on the presidential compound just a day earlier.
The latest strike marks the third mortar bombardment targeting Halane camp in a few months—a high-security zone hosting U.S., British, and United Nations missions, as well as foreign intelligence operatives and military contractors.
Security analysts warn that the escalating attacks expose critical vulnerabilities in Mogadishu’s counter-terrorism measures as Al-Shabaab fighters press toward key southern and northern approaches to the city. The group’s persistent mortar campaigns, despite heavy security presence, underscore the fragile grip of Somali forces and their international backers on the restive capital.
No casualties were reported within the diplomatic enclave, but the repeated breaches raise urgent questions about the efficacy of counterterrorism measures in one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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