Bomb Explodes Near Presidential Palace in Somalia

The al-Shabab web site posted the photographs of these two young men who they say were martyred in the attacks on the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Suicide bomber explodes Villa Somalia’s front gate

MOGADISHU (RBC) A Suicide bomber has exploded himself outside the front gate of Somalia’s presidential compound of Villa Somalia early on Tuesday morning, RBC Radio reports.

Initial reports sat that at least one presidential security guard was killed while two others were wounded after a man wearing explosive vest just blew up himself outside the compound’s front gate.

The sources added that the man attempted to enter the highly protected compound for the National Security Service which is only few meters away from the president’s office but the security guard managed to resist back him and then went off himself outside the Villa Somalia front gate.

The Ethiopian embassy, the office of Somalia prime minister as well as the building of the speaker were close there but were not hurt, sources told RBC Radio.

Presidential security officers could not be immediately reached for comment.


Somalia: AMISOM condemns terror attack in Mogadishu, praises action by Somali Forces

At least one member of the Somali National Army died and two others were injured when they stopped a suicide bomber from accessing a compound next to the Ethiopian Embassy

By: AMISOM
PRESS RELEASE

(For immediate release)

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Somalia, Amb. Mohamat Annadif, has condemned today’s terrorist attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu, and praised the quick action of the Somali forces which prevented loss of civilian life.

At least one member of the Somali National Army died and two others were injured when they stopped a suicide bomber from accessing a compound next to the Ethiopian Embassy which is located near Villa Somalia. The bomber exploded himself as he was chased away from the area.

“The heroic actions of the dead soldier and his compatriots have saved many Somali lives,” said Amb Annadif, adding that the attack comes at a time when the city has been enjoying its longest period of relative peace in 20 years.

“AMISOM is committed to continuing to support the Somali National Security Forces and to build up their capacity to defend the people of Somalia,” he said. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the dead soldier and his prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.

He noted that security in the capital has markedly improved after AMISOM Police units begun night patrols alongside their Somali counterparts last month.

The AU mission has been training the core of a rejuvenated Somali National Army and Somali Police Force within Mogadishu. Last week, 60 Somali Police officers including 16 female officers graduated from training in Basic Criminal Investigation skills. Two weeks ago, a further 200 departed for Djibouti to attend a three month training course in Public Order Management conducted by AMISOM.

Source: AMISOM