Al-Shabaab Attack on Mogadishu Markets Inflicts $4 Million in Losses Amid Government's Failure to Protect Businesses
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) — On the night of Saturday, August 24, al-Shabaab militants targeted the Safa and Marwa markets on the outskirts of Mogadishu, resulting in significant destruction.
A shop owner inspects the remains of his shop after a devastating fire on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Ceelasha Biyaha Market.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) — On the night of Saturday, August 24, al-Shabaab militants targeted the Safa and Marwa markets on the outskirts of Mogadishu, resulting in significant destruction.
The militant group employed explosives and fire, causing substantial damage to property and goods.
The business community reported to our correspondent that the attack has resulted in over $4 million in losses.
"At around 2 a.m. local time, we heard a huge blast that rocked the area. They say it was a bomb explosion. Then there were huge fireballs in the sky, followed by gunshots. Nobody could come here,” said Abdulkadir, a shop owner who witnessed the event.
The Safa and Marwa markets, established in 2007 after the displacement of over two million people from Mogadishu due to clashes between the Islamic Courts Union and the government, were critical to the local economy.
Despite the devastation, shop owners at the scene chose not to place blame but described the chaos they experienced.
People walk through the aftermath of a devastating fire on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Ceelasha Biyaha Market.
One shop owner lamented the loss of critical documents, stating, "We have lost documents for land property of over 300,000 plots.”
While no casualties have been reported, businesses are grappling with the financial fallout from the attack. The destruction follows recent tensions over a government-imposed requirement for CCTV installation in markets.
Al-Shabaab had countered this directive, threatening business owners who complied with the government’s order.
"The pressure was mounting on the business owners. While the government gave orders, al-Shabaab issued counter-orders. This became an unbearable problem for us,” a shop owner who requested anonymity told Kaab TV.
A similar incident occurred in Bakaro market in early April this year after shop owners installed CCTV cameras despite al-Shabaab’s prohibitions.
Mogadishu’s business community is reeling from these recent losses, which come on top of newly imposed taxes and extortion fees that have been a source of concern.
The militant group employed explosives and fire, causing substantial damage to property and goods.
Business leaders argue that a government unable to protect their enterprises should not be demanding taxes.
The Somali government has yet to respond to the situation, leaving residents and shop owners in a state of distress as they await further developments.
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Al-Shabaab Attack on Mogadishu Markets Inflicts $4 Million in Losses Amid Government's Failure to Protect Businesses
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) — On the night of Saturday, August 24, al-Shabaab militants targeted the Safa and Marwa markets on the outskirts of Mogadishu, resulting in significant destruction.