Hormuud Telecom confirms 6 employees killed in bomb blast near Mogadishu

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Hormuud Telecom confirms 6 employees killed in bomb blast near Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The peaceful Sunday afternoon in Mogadishu was shattered by a tragic incident as Hormuud Telecom, Somalia's leading telecommunications provider, confirmed the deaths of six of its employees in a targete

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The aftermath of the attack was captured in images circulating on social media.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The peaceful Sunday afternoon in Mogadishu was shattered by a tragic incident as Hormuud Telecom, Somalia's leading telecommunications provider, confirmed the deaths of six of its employees in a targeted mine explosion.

The devastating attack occurred in the Garasbaaley area on the outskirts of the capital city.

According to official statement released by Hormuud Telecom, the victims were returning from the company’s center in Garasbaaley and were en route to the Ceelasha Biyaha center when their vehicle fell victim to an improvised explosive device (IED), claiming the lives of all six male staff members.

The company, deeply saddened by the loss, identified the deceased employees and extended heartfelt condolences to their families, according to the statement.

As reported by Kaab TV, the aftermath of the attack was captured in images circulating revealing the charred remains of the vehicle bearing witness to the violence inflicted upon the innocent workers.

This tragic incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding the telecommunications giant.

Weeraradii u dambeeyay: Yaa beegsanaaya shaqaalaha @Hormuud ? – SAWIRO

Baabuurkii ay wateen shaqaalaha la weeraray oo si xun u gubtay ayaa lagu arkay sawirro lagu faafiyay baraha bulshada.

Hormuud ayaa sheegtay in 19kii Maarso sidoo kale qarax lagu beegsaday xarunta shirkadda… pic.twitter.com/NnktnqbF4E
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) April 28, 2024

Hormuud Telecom reported another attack targeting its headquarters in the Daallo neighborhood of Mogadishu on March 19, which resulted in the destruction of the facility.

While no specific entity has been held accountable for these attacks, underlying disputes between Hormuud Telecom and various parties have fueled speculation.

In mid January, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), under the leadership of Mahad Salad, stormed the company’s offices, alleging "ties to terrorist organizations” and "refusal to cooperate in investigations regarding mobile money transactions”.

Despite the unsubstantiated allegations, tensions between Hormuud and NISA persist, exacerbated by undisclosed disputes with extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS over extortion practices targeting Somali businesses.

The relentless wave of violence against Hormuud Telecom has claimed the lives of more than ten workers in the past year, with numerous others sustaining injuries in bomb attacks across Mogadishu and its environs.

Despite condemnation from the Federal Government, no substantial efforts have been made to investigate or apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts.

The contentious relationship between Hormuud Telecom and state security agencies, particularly NISA, underscores broader concerns regarding business interests and security dynamics within Somalia.

Accusations of a "business war” between Hormuud and NISA further highlight the complex web of political and economic interests shaping the telecommunications landscape in the country.

As Somalia mourns the loss of six dedicated employees, questions linger about the perpetrators behind these cowardly attacks and the efficacy of government measures to safeguard the nation’s vital infrastructure and its workforce.