Mohamud Sheikh Hassan, a former district commissioner of the Adan Yabal (Aadan Yabaal) district in the southeastern Middle Shabelle region, was murdered in Mogadishu yesterday. Militants belonging to the al-Shabaab terrorist group are suspected of the assassination, and they remain at large. The incident occurred at a tea shop in Misanka Dhuhusha (Miisaanka Dhuxusha).
Misanka Dhuhusha, Darul Salaam, Mogadishu, SOMALIA.
Misanka Dhuxusha is along the Industrial Road, an area known for lacking security, particularly for individuals affiliated with the government or occupying prominent positions.
The assassination of Mohamud Sheikh Hassan highlights the ongoing threat al-Shabaab poses to both former and current government officials and those associated with the administration.
Somalia’s capital has recently faced a surge in al-Shabaab’s attacks. On Monday, a suicide attack targeted a restaurant near Godka Jila’ow (Godka Jilacow), an area in Mogadishu’s Bondhere district that many considered highly secure. Godka Jila’ow is home to the largest detention centre of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). It is located near key Mogadishu landmarks such as Villa Somalia or the National Theatre.
TV journalist killed
The suicide bombing targeted the Blue Sky restaurant, killing at least five people and injuring several others. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they killed nine people and wounded 17. However, the group often exaggerates its claims. The authorities in Mogadishu reported that the incident occurred around 21:00 when al-Shabaab’s suicide bomber detonated explosives among people who were enjoying tea outside the restaurant.
Reports confirmed that among the deceased was also a famous Somali television journalist. According to a Somali Police Force brief statement, Abdifatah Moalim Nur Qeys, an employee of Somali Cable Television, sustained fatal injuries during the explosion.
Al-Shabaab’s tactical focus
The recent attacks represent examples of al-Shabaab’s current tactical focus. The terrorist group tries to counter the government’s offensive operations in several regions of Somalia by attacking targets in the capital city. The group aims to undermine public perception of security by increasingly targeting locations in Mogadishu that residents widely regard as safe and well-protected.
