Nine mortar shells exploded on Tuesday night on the territory of the government residence in Dhusamareb, when the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, and Galmudug regional officials arrived, was there, “QİA.AZ” informs, citing TASS.
The news portal Somali Guardian reported that the casualties have not been immediately known, the portal notes. The authorities suspect of shelling the Islamists from the terrorist organization Al-Shabab.
The Somali President arrived in Dusamareb on February 1 to hold talks with five regional leaders over the country’s upcoming presidential and general elections. The term of office of the head of state ends on February 8. Still, the date of presidential elections has not yet been agreed upon by the leading political forces due to persisting differences. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed himself made it clear that he would run for re-election. The critical meeting in connection with the elections is scheduled for today.
The government tightened security around the residence in Dusamareb, 400 kilometers northwest of the capital, Mogadishu. Army squads are on patrol in the city.