MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabaab militants executed a targeted attack in the Dayniile district of Mogadishu today, killing three businessmen inside their shops, according to local reports and security sources. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Somalia’s capital, despite the area being under government control.
Residents and security personnel confirmed to HornLife that the gunmen believed to be from Al-Shabaab, managed to escape after the shooting. The victims had reportedly been complying with government directives by installing security cameras in their businesses, a measure intended to enhance security but which may have made them targets.
“This incident is a stark reminder of Al-Shabaab’s reach, even in areas where the government has a strong presence,” said a local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
The attack follows a pattern of Al-Shabaab operations targeting individuals and businesses seen as cooperating with or benefiting from government initiatives. Earlier this year, a similar fate befell a businessman at the Livestock Market, highlighting a disturbing trend.
Security forces responded to the scene, collecting the bodies of the deceased and initiating an investigation. The Ministry of Internal Security has yet to release an official statement but is expected to address the incident soon, potentially outlining further measures against such incursions.
Al-Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent group, has been fighting to overthrow the Somali government, frequently attacking civilian and military targets. Their operations often aim to destabilize regions, intimidate residents, and deter economic and social development.
This attack not only reflects the fragile security situation in Mogadishu but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies in protecting civilians and businesses complying with security protocols.
HORN LIFE