Two soldiers were killed and as many as six others wounded in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on January 29 when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the headquarters of several government offices. The United States greatly regrets the loss of life in the attack, for which no person or group has claimed responsibility. Nevertheless, it demonstrates that despite the recent significant gains made by Somalia National Security Forces and African Union peacekeepers in restoring peace and stability, violent extremists still pose a threat to the nation.
The bomber, believed to have been an insurgent seeking to infiltrate a program for al-Shabaab defectors, was turned away by security officers from the offices of the National Intelligence and Security Agency. He then detonated the bomb, killing himself, two nearby soldiers, and wounding several others, all near the entrance of Villa Somalia, a government headquarters complex that also serves as the residence of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was out of the country at the time. No government officials were injured in the attack. President Mohamud was the target of a failed suicide bombing following his election in September.
Along with other partners, the United States has played a significant role in helping Somalia rebuild itself with humanitarian, democracy and governance assistance as well as security sector aid. Incidents such as this senseless attack against the Somali people further demonstrate the continued need for international support for Somalia, its military forces and the African Union to expand security and stability throughout Somalia.
The bomber, believed to have been an insurgent seeking to infiltrate a program for al-Shabaab defectors, was turned away by security officers from the offices of the National Intelligence and Security Agency. He then detonated the bomb, killing himself, two nearby soldiers, and wounding several others, all near the entrance of Villa Somalia, a government headquarters complex that also serves as the residence of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was out of the country at the time. No government officials were injured in the attack. President Mohamud was the target of a failed suicide bombing following his election in September.
Along with other partners, the United States has played a significant role in helping Somalia rebuild itself with humanitarian, democracy and governance assistance as well as security sector aid. Incidents such as this senseless attack against the Somali people further demonstrate the continued need for international support for Somalia, its military forces and the African Union to expand security and stability throughout Somalia.
