MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a continuation of its campaign against enhanced security measures in Mogadishu, Al-Shabaab militants executed an assassination attack in the Hodan district, targeting local businessmen who complied with government directives to install CCTV cameras in their shops.
The attack, which took place in the Soona-key neighborhood, resulted in the death of two businessmen and left another critically injured, who was subsequently rushed to a local health facility. According to eyewitnesses, speaking to The HornLife, the victims were specifically targeted for adhering to the Somali government’s mandate for increased surveillance to combat the insurgency.
This incident follows a similar attack last week in the Dayniile district where three businessmen met the same fate, illustrating Al-Shabaab’s ongoing efforts to intimidate and disrupt security enhancements in the capital. Despite the presence of security forces and investigations at the scene, the assailants managed to escape, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.
The militant group has consistently opposed the installation of CCTV cameras, viewing it as an extension of government control and intelligence gathering. Previous instances have seen businesses bombed or otherwise attacked for complying with these directives, leading to significant damages and loss of life.
The government’s push for CCTV installations aims at improving security and intelligence-gathering capabilities in Mogadishu. However, these measures have inadvertently placed business owners in the crosshairs of Al-Shabaab’s wrath, caught between governmental mandates and militant threats.
This recurring violence highlights the complex security situation in Somalia’s capital, where efforts to enhance public safety directly provoke retaliatory actions from Al-Shabaab, challenging the government’s authority and the safety of its citizens.
HORN LIFE
