Somalia Roundup: Invention, cafe bombing, militia clashes
12 killed in militia clash
On Monday, July 15, twelve people were killed in central Somalia during a clash between government soldiers and local militias over two truckloads of weapons illegally brought from Ethiopia. Among the dead were two soldiers. The incident occurred in the village of Shiilamaow, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Abudwak town, near the Ethiopian border. A Somali security official, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, reported the details. The Internal Security Ministry stated that government forces had seized the weapons from "illegal weapons traders" and were escorting them when armed militias set up a checkpoint and intercepted the convoy, adds VOA.
Soldier builds helicopter from scratch
A Somali army soldier has built a helicopter from scratch, defying the odds. His ingenuity and determination have led to this remarkable achievement, showing that what many thought to be impossible is now within reach. Mohammed Ali, a 24-year-old soldier bought every material he used from his pockets. He tells VOA that he has always dreamt of becoming an aeronautical engineer.
Kuwait Amir offers condolences to Somalia
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences on Tuesday to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the terrorist attack in Mogadishu. In his message, His Highness the Amir wished a swift recovery for the injured and strongly condemned the terrorist act targeting innocent civilians, reports KUNA.
MWL, Arab Parliament Condemn Terrorist Attack in Somali
The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday, July 15. In a statement, the MWL General Secretariat denounced the heinous crime that claimed dozens of lives, reaffirming its rejection of all forms of extremism and the resulting violence and terrorism. On behalf of its global assemblies, bodies, and councils, the MWL expressed full solidarity with Somalia and its people in facing threats to the country's security and stability, Asharq Al-Aswat reports. The organisation also extended sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Somalia cafe bombing kills nine
A car bombing at a cafe in Mogadishu killed nine people watching the Euro 2024 final, officials said on Monday, July 15. The Spanish national team won the game. Al-Shabaab is suspected of carrying out the attack. Somalia's government has been fighting against the group for over 17 years. Punch reports that the country has asked the African Union to slow the withdrawal of its forces from Somalia.
