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Al-Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack on the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu, firing at least six shells toward the compound that houses United Nations offices, African Union personnel, and Western diplomatic missions. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning, sent shockwaves across the Somali capital, raising concerns about the group’s ability to strike high-security zones.
Witnesses near Aden Adde International Airport reported hearing multiple explosions, with some residents claiming that up to four consecutive impacts were felt in and around the Halane area. Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of the damage or whether there were casualties, but emergency sirens were heard near the airport perimeter following the barrage.
Al-Shabaab swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on its affiliated website, asserting that it had deliberately targeted the base. The militant group has repeatedly launched mortar strikes on Halane, Aden Adde Airport, and the Somali presidential palace in recent months, aiming to disrupt international operations and undermine security efforts in Mogadishu.
Halane Base Camp remains one of the most secured zones in the city, protected by layers of checkpoints and security forces due to its strategic importance. Despite these defenses, Al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate its ability to strike even the most fortified areas, highlighting ongoing security vulnerabilities.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions following recent military operations against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Somali security forces, backed by African Union peacekeepers and international partners, have intensified efforts to weaken the group’s strongholds, but the militants remain resilient, adapting their tactics to evade counterterrorism measures.
Security analysts warn that Al-Shabaab’s ability to launch mortar attacks on high-profile targets underscores the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and preemptive strikes against militant hideouts. The Somali government has vowed to strengthen security measures around key installations, including Halane Base Camp, to prevent further incidents.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to assess the full impact of the attack and determine whether additional security reinforcements are needed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the challenges Somalia faces in securing its capital against extremist violence.