Comoros: Heightened security almost certain across country following assassination attempt on president in Salimani, Sept. 13 /update 1

Authorities will almost certainly maintain an increased security posture across Comoros over the coming days following an attempted assassination of President Azali Assoumani in Salimani-Itsandra around 14:00 on Sept. 13. Reports indicate that President Assoumani was attending a funeral service when he sustained minor head injuries from a bladed weapon wielded by an attacker alleged to be a former police officer. The president was treated at a nearby military hospital and has since returned to the presidential residence in Moroni. Authorities have announced that the attacker is in custody, though they have not provided further details on the motive for the attack.

Police are expected to increase patrols across major cities, particularly in the nation’s capital, Moroni, over the coming days. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the area of the attack as authorities continue their investigations.

Salimani-Itsandra is located on the immediate outskirts of the nation's capital, Moroni.