Al-Shabab Mortar Attacks Hits Area Around Mogadishu Airport

Voice of America
13 Oct 2019, 23:35 GMT+10

Seven people were wounded after a mortar attack by al-Shabab militants hit the area around Mogadishu airport on Sunday, Somali witnesses and officials say

The mortars landed on the heavily-guarded Halane area of the airport that houses the African Union and United Nations Mission in Somalia.

Witnesses told VOA Somali that six mortars were fired at the vicinity just after 1pm local time.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, confirmed that the mortars landed inside the U.N. and AMISOM facilities.

"I am appalled by this blatant act of terrorism against our personnel, who work together with the Somali people on humanitarian, peace building, and development issues," Swan said in a statement. "There is no justification for such despicable acts of violence, and the United Nations remains determined to support Somalia on its path to peace, stability and development."

Al-Shabab uses mobile vehicles that transport mortars from one location to another. The mortars are then dissembled immediately after being fired and hidden in the bush or in a car, according to security sources.

Al-Shabab attacked the same facility with mortars earlier this year injuring two United Nations staff members and a contractor.

The attack on Sunday comes a day before Somalia marks the deadliest terrorist attack in Somalia and in Africa.

October 14 is the second anniversary of the truck bomb in Mogadishu that killed 587 people and injured hundreds of others.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Madagascar Sun.

More Information

null in null

Africa

Section

Presidents of UAE, Angola explore cooperation opportunities

Abu Dhabi [UAE], June 8 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with Joao Manuel Lourenco, President...

Presidents of UAE, Angola explore cooperation opportunities

ABU DHABI, 8th June, 2025 (WAM) -- President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with His Excellency...

"Felt for a long time I didn't care...": Klaasen reveals shocking truth behind international cricket retirement

Johannesburg [South Africa], June 8 (ANI): Former South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen broke his silence on international cricket...

AB de Villiers shares tactical insight ahead of South Africa's maiden WTC final at Lord's

London [UK], June 8 (ANI): As South Africa prepares to play in their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, former Proteas...

"Respect goes both ways": Lyon, Maharaj's wholesome exchange ahead of Aus-SA WTC final

London [UK], June 8 (ANI): Ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), South African spinner Keshav Maharaj showered massive words...

Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada: A match-defining battle at Lord's during WTC final

London [UK], June 8 (ANI): As Australia and South Africa prepare for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's, a battle...

International

Section