Attack on Somali Parliament building, many injured

Police and witnesses said at least nine people were injured after multiple mortar rounds hit the Parliament building (Villa Hargeisa), where newly elected MPs were holding a joint session on April 18.

A policeman at the scene said that two bodyguards accompanying an opposition leader were among the wounded at Villa Hargeisa, located on the grounds of the Presidential Palace. Somalia) in the capital Mogadishu. Police said several mortar shells fell in the vicinity of Villa Hargeisa, where newly elected MPs were holding a joint session. According to him, the incident happened a few minutes after MPs approved the method of organizing the election of the speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 26 and 27.

Meanwhile, witnesses said the attack happened just as MPs finished their joint session and were exiting the building.

Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Roble condemned the attack, calling it an “act of cowardice” intended to confuse MPs who are trying to ensure early elections.

The group Al-Shabab has admitted to causing this latest attack, and clearly stated its purpose against Somali MPs. Al-Shabab militants have recently carried out a series of attacks on MPs in an attempt to disrupt the election process.

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