| Description |
Al Shabaab fighters in SNG forces uniform carried out a complex attack against Villa Somalia (Wardhiigley District) in the evening of 08/07. Reports indicate that a group of al Shabaab fighters using a Toyota NOAH managed to pass the first two security check-points and detonated a VBIED at the main gate. Immediately another group of al Shabaab fighters with a pick-up arrived and started shooting the security guards and managed to penetrate inside the premises. The group that managed to enter the Villa Somalia engaged fighting with security forces which lasted for about an hour in the area of the Prime Minister's office. Available information suggests that the attackers started shooting the light bulbs leading darkness and confusion. Unconfirmed reports indicate that an employee for a local telecommunication company and a son of the imam in Villa Somalia mosque had reportedly facilitated the attack and apparently transported the attackers. SNG Minister of Information stated that they apprehended one of the al Shabaab attackers with injuries. Four soldiers were killed while unspecified numbers were injured in the VBIED attack and subsequent shooting. The president was in protected area of AMISOM during the attack. Al Shabaab fighters claimed its responsibility. |
