Al-Shabaab militants on Thursday fired multiple rockets into the Green Zone area in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.
The development comes amid the arrival of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a two-day working visit to the country.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this on Thursday in a post on his X handle.
Makama stated that the attack involved at least three missile strikes targeted at the highly fortified Aden Adde International Airport and surrounding areas as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the Ethiopian leader.
“Several rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) blasts were also reported in the vicinity of the airport, prompting a rapid security response.
“Before Prime Minister Abiy’s plane landed, mortar shells were heard hitting areas near the airport. Security forces have yet to confirm casualties, but operations are underway to neutralize the threat,” the report said.
Authorities imposed strict movement restrictions, shutting down key roads and suspending domestic and international flights, except for Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines.
The security expert further stated that personnel in the Green Zone were instructed to wear body armor and ballistic helmets and take shelter in reinforced bunkers, adding that government forces launched an immediate sweep operation to secure the affected areas.
“The attack demonstrates the persistent security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab, which continues to demonstrate its capability to strike high-profile targets, even within Mogadishu’s most secure zones.
“Security officials are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue,” the report concluded.
Al-Shabaab attacks Mogadishu’s green zone amid Ethiopian PM’s visit
