Mortar Attacks on Villa Somalia Pose Formidable Security Challenges

[Deeq A.]

Mortar attacks on Villa Somalia allegedly facilitated by Al-shabaab moles in federal agencies.

Mogadishu (Comment) — Unknown assailants used mortars to attack Villa Somalia in the evening today two days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicised security measures to limit vehicles mounted with browning machine guns in the capital city. Security experts in Mogadishu have expressed reservations about the new policy that removes key deterrents in the fight against terrorist attacks — the presence of well armed security forces patrolling the streets of Mogadishu.

If terrorists can use mortars to target Villa Somalia the decision to reduce the presence of security forces increases vulnerabilities that Al-Shabaab exploits. The first phase of Ma’awisley campaign created suspicions amongs clans dominant in Mogadishu. The perception that militias of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s clan received more weapons at the expense of other clans is now fuelling opposition to the security policies enunciated by President Mohamud at the Villa Somalia mosque on Friday.

On Wednesday President of Hirshabelle State of Somalia Ali Guudlaawe accused Somali Army units of running illegal roadblocks in the state. “I want to make it clear that contingents of the Somali National Army run illegal roadblocks in Hirshabelle. They are wearing the army dress, drive army transport, and get paid” said Mr Guudlaawe. On 7 April the US government issued an executive order to deal with threats from Somalia to “the national security and foreign policy of the United States”.

Attempts by the incumbent President to amend presidential and legislature terms of office undermined cohesion around fighting terror. Al-shabaab infiltrates security forces and other government agencies. There is no way to figure out whether a defector is still loyal to the Al-shabaab, which taxes Mogadishu businesses. President Mohamud implied that new defectors would be absorbed into the government agencies.

This comment was written by a former NISA officer.

© Puntland Post, 2023

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