Somalia's Presidential Convoy Targeted in Militant Attack

A roadside bomb near Somalia's presidential palace targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. The al-Shabab militant group, opposing the federal government, claimed responsibility. While the president remained unharmed, witnesses reported casualties. The UK condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Somalia's counterterrorism efforts.

A bomb exploded near Somalia's presidential palace on Tuesday, aiming at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy, according to government sources. The Information Ministry labeled the attack as a 'cowardly act of desperation' by the militant group al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility for the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing bodies at the explosion site, although an official death toll was not released. The president was not harmed during the attack, which occurred shortly after his convoy departed for the main airport. Al-Shabab often targets government officials and retains control in parts of rural Somalia.

The UK Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Somalia's fight against extremism. The Somali government has recently amplified military efforts against al-Shabab, achieving territorial advancements in Middle Shabelle and beyond.

(With inputs from agencies.)