Mortar Attacks Escalate Amid Rising Security Concerns at Mogadishu Airport

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 06 April 2025 20:50

Visits: 591
(Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
0 0
Share via Social Media

Mortar Attacks Escalate Amid Rising Security Concerns at Mogadishu Airport

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack early Sunday morning targeting the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Base Camp inside the heavily fortified Mogadishu airport c

Share

Somalia: Mogadishu airport zone also houses key diplomatic missions, including the United Nations, the British Embassy, and the U.S. Mission.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack early Sunday morning targeting the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Base Camp inside the heavily fortified Mogadishu airport complex.

According to AUSSOM, the shelling occurred at around 6:05 a.m., but no casualties or property damage were reported.

The airport zone also houses key diplomatic missions, including the United Nations, the British Embassy, and the U.S. Mission.

"The situation has since been contained,” AUSSOM said in a statement. "Such attacks will not undermine our commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in its fight against terrorism and its pursuit of lasting peace and security.”

Despite reassurances, mortar attacks in the capital have sharply increased in recent weeks.

On Saturday, at least six people were wounded when rounds struck residential neighborhoods in Mogadishu.

The al-Qaeda-linked group has been intensifying its activities and is reportedly gaining ground near the capital.

Intelligence sources warn that Al-Shabaab has infiltrated elements of Somalia’s security forces, with some operatives allegedly occupying positions within the government.

Security analysts also express concern over Al-Shabaab’s growing ties with Yemen’s Houthi militia, from whom the group is reportedly sourcing various types of weapons and ammunition.

Over the past three years, the militants have also seized substantial caches of arms from Somali forces.

Most recently, in March, they captured Turkish-supplied weapons following an attack on a military base in Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle region.

On March 18, a major explosion narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but killed at least 20 people, including prominent Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, in Mogadishu.

With continued attacks on military and civilian targets, security in the capital remains fragile as authorities struggle to counter the evolving threat posed by Al-Shabaab.