Al-Shabaab Bomb Attack Targets Somali President's Convoy, Casualties Reported

On March 18, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy was targeted in a bomb attack in Mogadishu, resulting in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including several presidential guards. The Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, marking the first direct attempt on the president's life since 2014. Fortunately, President Mohamud was unharmed and quickly reassured the public of his safety, stating he was on his way to lead military efforts against Al-Shabaab. The attack has raised concerns over the group’s capacity to conduct such bold assaults and has prompted heightened security measures across Somalia. The African Union condemned the attack, calling it a