Last night, a suicide attack targeted a restaurant near Godka Jila’ow (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.
Godka Jila’ow, Bondhere district, Mogadishu, SOMALIA.
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 operational 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 indicate 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.
The attack represents another example 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 the capital city. Within Mogadishu, the group aims to undermine public perceptions of security by targeting locations that residents widely regard as safe and well-protected.
Mortar strike hits MP’s house
In recent months, Mogadishu has faced a surge in al-Shabaab’s attacks. In the early morning of 9 October, a mortar strike hit the house of Mohamed Kerow Mohamed, a member of the House of People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia. His residence is located in the Dabakin neighbourhood of Mogadishu’s Dharkenley district. Mr Mohamed represents the Southwest State in the Parliament of Somalia.
A reliable source informed the Somali Digest that the attack resulted in the deaths of one of the children and a nephew of the prominent politician. Moreover, the MP’s house sustained significant damage. Although the militant group al-Shabaab often targets the capital city with mortars or rockets, the perpetrator of this strike remains unconfirmed, as nobody claimed responsibility for the atrocity.
