Somali authorities have confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals, including officers and soldiers, concerning a devastating suicide bombing that targeted the Jalle Siyad military academy in Mogadishu on Monday. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 30 soldiers’ lives and left 70 others injured.
Deputy Defense Minister Abdifitah Qasim announced during a session of Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament. He informed the members that the security agencies, including the National Security Agency and the police and military command, are conducting a thorough investigation into the attack on the Jalle Siyad military camp. One of those arrested was the camp commander, raising concerns about potential ties between senior members of the security forces and al-Shabab, the militant group responsible for the attack.
Qasim expressed the government’s commitment to holding those responsible for facilitating the attack accountable. He emphasized that the fallen soldiers are like “our own children,” and their sacrifice will not be in vain.
The attack occurred when a suicide bomber detonated a vest while soldiers were lining up after breakfast. The targeted soldiers had recently been deployed to Mogadishu for additional training and re-equipping, as part of the ongoing efforts to combat the extremist threat.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on Telegram, boasting that one of its suicide bombers carried out the deadly strike. The group has been responsible for orchestrating numerous assaults in Somalia, making it a significant security concern for the country.
The incident at the heavily guarded military facility has prompted significant scrutiny, as it marks the largest number of officers and soldiers arrested in connection with an al-Shabab attack.
In a separate development, Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala, informed the media about a joint operation involving Somali government forces and friendly countries. The operation targeted an area between the Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions, killing 100 al-Shabab militants. However, the identities of the foreign forces involved in this operation were not disclosed.
Over the past several months, Somali forces have been actively combating al-Shabab in a series of military operations, with a focus on central regions where the group has maintained control over certain areas for an extended period.
The situation remains tense in Somalia as authorities continue their efforts to counter the threat posed by al-Shabab. The recent attack and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and stability in the region.
