The Somali based terror group Shabaab Mujahideen has conducted an attack targeting security officers manning a checkpoint at the KM4 Junction near a hotel and outside the general area of the Mogadishu International Airport (Aden Adde), where most international offices and embassies are located. Approximately 15 people are dead and over 20 others injured so far. The terror group detonated a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).
The group demonstrated its capability to breach the city security and successfully conduct attacks targeting both civilians and security officers in the capital. Today’s attack exhibits successful surveillance and review of strategy when targeting Somali police officers. The group seems to have redefined its operations strategy to remains ahead of the government in the capital.
The death toll is likely to rise. The group continues to wage an insurgency meant to weaken and subsequently overthrow the government in Somalia. The group has resumed medium scale attacks targeting the capital and military strikes targeting the weak army across the ungoverned country. The resumption of attacking the capital came after a purge on spies and persons accused of working with foreign intelligence officials. The group will escalate such operations on the short term but will likely significantly escalate towards the end of the year.
