Al Shabaab up attacks on Somali presidency

Somalia: Hizbul Islam Launches First Suicide Attack On Presidency

From AHN News

Abdi Hajji Hussein - AHN News Correspondent

Mogadishu, Somalia (AHN) - A suicide bomber armed with an AK 47 rifle drove a car past several check points to the headquarters of the Somali president, where he attacked security forces. He blew himself up as troops returned fire, a government official said Tuesday.


Abdi-Rasheed Khaliif Hashi, director of information affairs of Villa Somalia, said the attack was a failed attempt organized by terrorist groups in Somalia. He declining to say whether AMISOM or government forces inside the presidential compound suffered any casualties.


Hashi said the suicide bomber tried to sneak into the presidential building, but AMISOM and Transitional Government Forces shot him after he fired at them.


Government officials said the attacker was a bodyguard for an official of the transitional government.


Sheikh Mohammed Osman Aruus, Hisbul Islam spokesman for military operations, has claimed responsibility for the attack.


The incident was believed to be Hizbul Islam’s first suicide attack against African Union and Somali government.


Another insurgent group, Al Shabaab, has conducted numerous suicide attacks inside and outside of the country and killed a number of Somali government ministers and AMISOM’s second highest official in Mogadishu.


Al Shabaab has also claimed responsibility for bombings in Kampala, Uganda, that killed more than 70 people.


In separate fighting in Mogadishu, at least 10 people died and more than 20 were injured. Hospitals were said to have been overwhelmed by civilians injured in attacks.


Sporadic gunfire and artillery barrages could be heard since this morning.

Original article is here