BAGHDAD, Somalia — The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which took place on March 18 near the El-Gabta junction, close to the presidential palace in Mogadishu.
The attack, which targeted the Somali leader, marked another attempt by extremists to destabilize the nation amid ongoing security challenges.
In a statement issued by the ministry, Iraq expressed its unwavering support for Somalia in the face of terrorism and violence, which continue to pose significant threats to the country’s stability and security. The attack underscores the volatile situation in Somalia, where al-Shabaab militants have been waging an insurgency against the government for years.
“The Iraqi government condemns this cowardly act and reaffirms its full solidarity with the Somali people and their government in their efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace,” the statement read. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry further emphasized the necessity of strengthening international collaboration to fight terrorism and uphold regional stability.
The statement, which was reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), also called for a united global approach to confront shared security challenges. Iraq’s support comes as Somalia continues to battle not only militant groups but also economic hardships and political instability.
The assassination attempt on President Mohamud comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with heightened security concerns, including frequent attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group. The Somali government has vowed to intensify its counterterrorism efforts and seek greater international support to address the growing threat.
Somali officials have not disclosed details of the attack but confirmed that it was thwarted by security forces before any significant harm was done to the president. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident, which they believe is linked to the ongoing insurgency in the region.
Iraq’s statement concluded by reiterating its commitment to supporting Somalia and other nations in the region in their efforts to combat terrorism and ensure long-term peace and security.
