Somali Govt Denies Reports Of Mortar Attack In Mogadishu

The security ministry of Somalia’s Federal Government has strongly refuted reports of a mortar attack in Mogadishu on Wednesday night by Al Shabaab militants.

The security ministry spokesman, Abdiaziz Ali Ibrahim, known as “Abdiaziz Hildhiban” said plastic bags filled with explosives popped in several districts, causing confusion and panic.

The attack came amidst tight security across the capital and heavy presence of army on the main streets, in a bid to avert Al-Shabaab attacks during the Holy month of Ramadan.

Al-Shabaab often steps up attacks in the country, mainly Mogadishu in Ramadan as part of its struggle to oust the UN-backed Somali Federal Government and the AU forces.

Separately, at least two soldiers were slightly wounded in a grenade attack on the home of former Howlwadag district near Dabka junction, Hawlwadag district of Mogadishu