Africa

Mortars fired into Somalia’s main airport in Mogadishu

Heavy rains have been pounding many parts of the county and have caused incidents such as landslides and other such destruction.

By Hassan Mohamed | Tuesday, January 30, 2024

It is believed the mortars were fired by Al-Shabaab militants taking advantage of the intense celebratory fire that engulfed Mogadishu after Galmudug State won its first Somalia inter-state football trophy.

At least five mortars were on Monday night fired into the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, which also houses foreign embassies, the UN headquarters and the main base of the African Union's peacekeepers.

A source who requested anonymity said it is believed the mortars were fired by Al-Shabaab militants taking advantage of the intense celebratory fire that engulfed Mogadishu after Galmudug State won its first Somalia inter-state football trophy.

Keep reading

Mohamed Abubakar, a security analyst, said, “Last night’s celebratory fire provided suspected Al-Shabaab militants a good cover to fire mortars. It was impossible for security forces, some of whom took part in the celebrations, to differentiate between their fire and that of the mortars. Some of the Galmudug supporters fired high calibre fire which was unwarranted."

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice by phone, a security source working at the airport, who also requested anonymity as he is not allowed to speak to the media, two out of five mortars landed inside the airport.

"One landed near the runway close to the seashore and the other on an AU peacekeepers' base. The other three landed outside the airport in civilian neighbourhoods. Luckily, no injuries were reported," he said, noting the explosions were loud.

Abukar added that there were some casualties from the celebrations.

“Four people, including a child, were wounded in Hodan and Wardhiigley districts from the celebratory fires by Galmudug fans who over over-celebrated their win,” he said.

A local journalist posted pictures of a wounded and heavily bandaged boy on social media, identifying him as his nephew. He noted that celebratory fires can be dangerous. The family was not immediately available for comment.

Nearly all top government officials including the president, ministers, members of Parliament as well as former leaders congratulated Galmudug State on winning the football tournament. None spoke about the security incidents.

By press time, Al-Shabaab had not claimed responsibility for the incident, as it has done in the past.