A powerful blast was reported on Tuesday afternoon near the President’s palace in Mogadishu, causing significant damage in the surrounding area. The explosion occurred in residential buildings located along the roadside near the Ceelgaabta intersection, just outside the presidential compound, Villa Somalia.
Initial reports indicate that the explosion targeted one of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s vehicles, which was a bulletproof convoy car, as it passed through the area. Videos circulating on social media appear to capture the moment of the explosion, showing a large blast as the convoy was making its way through the intersection.
The attack, believed to have been caused by a roadside bomb, struck the El Gaabta junction, located near Mogadishu’s presidential palace. It is believed the blast was aimed at President Mohamud’s convoy as he was en route to visit Somali troops stationed on the frontlines.
The militant group Al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack. This marks yet another violent incident in a series of ongoing attacks by the group, which has been intensifying its efforts to destabilize the region and undermine the Somali government.
The explosion has left authorities and citizens on high alert as they assess the full extent of the damage and casualties. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack and whether there were any injuries or fatalities among the convoy members or civilians.
