MOGADISHU — A senior Somali Police Force commander of Madino District, in charge of health services narrowly escaped an assassination attempt early Friday after an explosive device targeted his vehicle in the capital, in Shangaani area and near the Royal Palace Hotel.
According to Universal Somali TV, the official, identified as Commander Abdirizak Afgadud, was the intended target of the early morning blast. Security sources confirmed that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) that had been covertly attached to his car.
Narrow Escape
Fortunately, Commander Afgadud was not inside the vehicle at the time of the detonation, and authorities reported that there were no injuries resulting from the incident. The attack highlights the persistent and targeted threats facing high-ranking security personnel in Mogadishu.
Following the blast, rumors circulated suggesting the attack occurred within a secure government facility. However, security officials promptly dismissed these claims, clarifying that the incident happened outside and that the commander’s vehicle was the isolated, intended target.
Ongoing Investigations
Security forces immediately cordoned off the area to secure the scene and have launched a comprehensive investigation into the attack. While no organization has yet claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, militant groups such as Al-Shabaab frequently utilize vehicle-borne IEDs to target Somali police, military officials, and government workers in the capital.
