According to a diplomatic memo, armed fighters raided an army base near the Somali capital’s international airport, killing at least five individuals, including two of the assailants.
Security authorities were dealing with a “terrorist incident” outside the camp’s gates on Wednesday, according to state-run television. According to a witness, attackers forced their way in and began shooting.
The two attackers were apprehended at the Halane base gates, according to state radio.
“Security Forces have shot dead two armed terrorists who attempted to force their way into the army base near #Mogadishu’s Adan Abdulle International Airport on Wednesday and police will give details shortly,” the Somali National Television said.
According to Reuters, two security guards, assumed to be Kenyan nationals, and a Somali policemen were also murdered in the incident, according to an internal diplomatic security note. Four more people were injured.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked armed group, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the camp near Mogadishu airport. It launched mortar attacks on the camp, which is home to African Union (AMISOM) peacekeepers, the United Nations, and other international organisations.
Al-Shabab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab claimed that the group’s fighters had gained access to the base and caused injuries, although he did not provide any proof.
Black smoke billowed from a location near the airport runway in videos and photographs uploaded on social media.
“There is gunfire inside the airport vicinity, and we are (hearing) this is an ongoing attack involving gunmen,” Mohamed Ali, who works for airport security, told AFP news agency. “We don’t have details so far but the security forces are engaging them now.”
Workers at the airport also notified news organisations that no flights are taking off and that all transportation within the airport has come to a halt.
Al-goal Shabab’s is to destabilise Somalia’s government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Witnesses and family say a young female legislator was killed by a suicide bomber in the city of Beledweyne, around 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Mogadishu, on Wednesday.
Amina Mohamed, a vocal critic of the government known for her impassioned speeches, was assassinated as she approached a facility holding Hirshabelle State leaders, according to Adan Farah, a local elder.
