Tuesday May 20, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – At least six mortar shells were fired toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning, which houses United Nations offices, African Union personnel, and Western diplomatic missions.
According to witnesses near Aden Adde International Airport, several of the mortar rounds landed in and around the Halane area, with some residents reporting up to four consecutive impacts. Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of damage and whether there were casualties.
The Al-Shabaab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack minutes later through a statement on its affiliated website. The group said it had targeted the camp, though it did not provide further details.
There was no immediate response from Somali federal security forces or the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on the incident or the specific type of artillery used.
The mortar attack is part of a recurring pattern by the Al-Qaeda-linked group, which has repeatedly targeted Halane, Aden Adde Airport, and the Somali presidential palace with artillery fire in recent months. The attacks aim to disrupt international operations and undermine the security presence in Somalia's capital.
Halane Base Camp remains one of the most secured zones in Mogadishu, protected by layers of checkpoints and security forces due to its strategic importance. Despite this, Al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate its ability to strike even the most fortified areas.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following recent military operations against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, and as international partners continue to support Somalia's state-building and stabilization efforts.