Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – A suicide bombing targeted the entrance of the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu this morning at approximately 11:20 a.m., according to a statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry confirmed the attack but stated that investigations are still ongoing, with further details expected once official findings are available. While no confirmed casualties have been reported yet, the bombing is considered a significant security breach at one of the country’s most heavily guarded military facilities.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack through its affiliated media, alleging that the bombing targeted "a Western delegation training new Somali recruits." This claim has not been independently verified.
The Jaalle Siyaad Academy is a crucial training center for the Somali National Army, and this attack underscores the ongoing threats facing military institutions in the country.
This incident occurs amid a continued escalation of military operations by the Somali government against Al-Shabaab in central regions, including airstrikes and ground offensives.
This is not the first time the academy has been targeted. In July 2023, a similar attack took place when a suicide bomber disguised as a soldier detonated explosives inside the facility, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 soldiers and injuring over 70 others.
Further updates are anticipated as investigations into today’s attack continue.
