Somalia: Mortar attack near Mogadishu airport January 1

Event

Multiple mortar explosions were reported in the vicinity of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Halane military base near Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu on the afternoon (local time) of Tuesday, January 1. According to a statement by AMISOM, the mortars missed their target and the situation is now under control. Unconfirmed reports indicate two people were wounded in the blasts. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country and attacks from the group are frequent across Somalia, including in Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals in Mogadishu are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the attack, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.