Senior Somali Police Officer Survives IED Blast in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A senior Somali police health official, Abdirizak Afgaduud, survived an apparent assassination attempt after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in his vehicle detonated near the headquarters of the National Intelligence and Security Agency in Mogadishu on Friday morning.

The explosion occurred in a heavily fortified area that houses key security institutions, raising renewed concerns about safety in the capital.

Security agencies confirmed the blast but denied reports that a government building was targeted. Officials said the device was attached to a specific vehicle and did not directly target any state facility.

Preliminary reports indicate that Afgaduud survived the attack, though details about his condition have not been officially disclosed. No other casualties were immediately reported.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, although similar incidents are frequently reported in Mogadishu, particularly in areas with a strong security presence.

The incident comes as Somali security forces continue efforts to tighten security in the capital, even as attacks targeting government officials and strategic locations persist.

GAROWE ONLINE