MOGADISHU, Somalia — Mortars rained down on Mogadishu’s international airport and surrounding areas in the Wadajir district early Sunday, with explosions reverberating across the Somali capital.
At least six mortars struck the Halane military base, a fortified compound housing Western embassies, international organizations, and the African Union-led AUSSOM military command, sources said.
The predawn barrage, which began around 6:05 a.m., also hit nearby residential neighborhoods, including Kaawo Godey, where two civilians—a woman and a young man—suffered injuries. Local residents described a scene of panic as the blasts shattered the morning calm.
“We heard one of the shells hit near our area, and two people were injured, one of them a woman. It’s been very scary,” a resident told The HornLife, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns.
No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion fell on Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group that has escalated mortar attacks on government and international targets in recent weeks. The assault follows a similar attack Saturday near the Somali presidential palace, where a shell struck the National Theatre and wounded several people.
An AUSSOM spokesperson said no personnel at Halane were harmed in Sunday’s attack. “AUSSOM can confirm that no personnel were injured as a result of the mortar attack on Halane base this morning at 6:05 a.m.,” the statement said. Somali security officials have yet to comment.
The violence underscores Mogadishu’s persistent instability as Al-Shabaab continues to challenge the fragile government and the presence of foreign peacekeepers. Earlier this week, mortars targeted Aden Adde International Airport during a visit by Ethiopia’s prime minister, while attacks have intensified in the Lower Shabelle region, a known Al-Shabaab stronghold.
Sunday’s bombardment disrupted daily life in the capital, with residents expressing growing unease over the militants’ ability to strike at will. The Halane base, a key hub for diplomatic and military operations, has long been a prime target for the group, which seeks to overthrow Somalia’s government and expel foreign forces.
HORN LIFE
