Security tensions rise in Somali capital as mortars are fired close to the airport amid high-profile diplomatic visit.
As the Somali capital prepared for the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, several mortars were reportedly fired toward Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The attack occurred shortly before the Ethiopian leader’s arrival, who was scheduled for talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on strengthening bilateral ties.
According to local media reports, President Mohamud was in the VIP area of the airport ready to welcome Prime Minister Abiy when the incident unfolded. The city was under a strict lockdown, with heightened security measures in place due to the high-profile visit.
A security official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed to Anadolu Agency that some mortars landed near the airport, although immediate details regarding casualties were not provided. The timing and proximity of the attack to the airport highlight the ongoing security challenges within the region.
The visit of Prime Minister Abiy to Somalia is part of a broader effort to solidify the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, following the resolution of a nearly year-long diplomatic standoff through the Ankara Declaration. This agreement, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marked a significant step towards reconciliation and enhanced cooperation between the neighboring countries.
The leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including security cooperation, trade relations, and regional stability. The mortar attack, however, underscores the fragile security situation in Somalia and the challenges both leaders face in their commitment to securing and stabilizing the region.
This incident comes at a critical time when both nations are seeking to deepen their diplomatic and economic ties, with hopes that such engagements will contribute to a more stable Horn of Africa. The implications of the attack on the scheduled talks and the overall security environment in Mogadishu remain to be seen as the situation develops.
