Somalia: Two soldiers wounded in Barawe airport mortar attack July 30

Event

At approximately 09:40 (local time) on Monday, July 30, Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack on Barawe airport (Lower Shabelle region), which serves as an operating base for the UN and African Union missions in Somalia. Local sources report that two Ugandan soldiers were lightly wounded when two shells landed inside the base.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in the capital 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

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.