Somalia Prime Minister Escapes Bomb Blasts at National Theater

A bombing at the National Theater in Mogadishu, Somalia resulted in the deaths of at least ten people. The al-Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the operation. , a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Somali Prime Minister Escapes Bomb Blasts At Somalia’s National Theatre

MOGADISHU(SomalilandPress)–A female suicide bomber has detonated herself inside the newly reopened Somalia National Theatre killing more than 10 people and injuring dozens more. Among those present during the blast inside the theatre were the Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Mohammed Gaas and cabinet ministers who had gathered there to mark the first anniversary of the launch of Somalia National Television Station, the Prime Minister escaped unhurt.

Eyewitnesses say the attack came in the middle of a musical performance “the blast happened as musicians were singing and spectators were clapping for them. “Suddenly we heard a loud bang, then a thick smoke made everything go dark inside the theatre. People started to scream fearing a second blast,the crowd inside to run for the exit hence causing a stampede which prompted soldiers to open fire at the gates.

Reporters at the scene say dozens of people were hurt, and have described seeing shoes scattered all over and bloody mobile phones on the floor, and chairs cut in half by the force of the blast. Among the dead were the President of the Somalia Olympic Committee Aden Yabarow Wilsh, and the Somali Football Federation Chief, Saeed Mohamed Nur, unconfirmed reports say the minster of planning and international cooperation was seriously injuired.

Al Shabab militants have claimed responsibility through their twitter page.

The theatre closed in the early 1990s as Somali descended into civil war and was only reopened last month, amid a new period of relative optimism, since then there has been a period of relative quiet, with supporting activity resuming.


Somalilandpress
Biggest English-Somali news portal
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Somaliland: Captured 67 Militia in the Recent Fighting of Buhoodle Are Transferred to Burco Prison

BURCO(SomalilandPress)–Somaliland army has transferred 67 militia men that were captured in the recent attempted suprise attack that Khatuumo militia launched against Somaliland forces but however were vanquished by Somaliland forces. The captured militia accompanied by their commander are currently being held at Burco City Prison as they wait to be relocated to Mandheer Prison outside of Berbera. Deputy Commander Col Jama Deeq of the Somaliland Custodial Corps in Burao City and Chief prosecutor of the armed forces courts Col Mohamed Ahmed Hassan (ilka case) supervised the transfer of prisoners to Burco city Prison officials.

It was Sunday morning when militia loyal to Somalia’s former Prime Minister, Ali Khalif Galayr launched a pre-dawn surprise assault on Somaliland forces based in Buhoodle and Tukaraq Village. Somaliland army’s intelegence unit was aware of the militias movement in recent days which lead to the capture of 67 militia men, 8 injured militia, 3 battlewagons, 6 transport vechiles and their commander.


National Union of Somali Journalists (Mogadishu)

Somalia: Somali Journalist Murdered in Central Somalia

5 April 2012

Mogadishu — The national union of Somali journalists is shocked by the murder of a radio journalist in the central Somalia town of Beletwein on Thursday afternoon, the latest in a string of attacks against journalists in Somalia.

Witnesses said that three masked assailants shot to death Radio Shabelle correspondent in the town of Beletwein of Hiran region, at Howlwadag District around 04:45pm local time, April 5, 2012. The journalist, identified as Mahad Salad Adan, "Mahad Jarmal", 25, was shot near his home in Beletwein, controlled by the Transitional Federal government Somalia and allied militias backed by the Ethiopian troops who recently helped the government push the Shabab out from several key towns including Beletwein. The journalist had also freelanced to several Somali news websites.

The assailants immediately escaped from the scene, though the town's security forces reportedly chased and killed one of the assailants.

It is not yet clear the reason behind the killing and no group has yet to claim.

"We condemn the strong terms possible and call for urgent investigation into the killings of journalists which the latest took place in Beletwein today." Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, "The targeted killings against the journalists is only meant to silence the voice of the Somali journalists who are giving voice to the voiceless, therefore, We call for the government to investigate the murders against the journalists and bring to an end this culture of impunity on the rise.."

"We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, colleagues of late Adan, who might suffered this tragedy." Mr. Ibrahim added.

Late Mahad Salad Adan became the fourth journalist killed in Somalia this year alone. He is survived by a wife and two month old daughter.

On Wednesday, 10 Somali Journalists were wounded, some in critical condition when a suicide bomber attacked a ceremony on the aniversary of the Somali National Television at the National Theatre. among the dead were two prominent peace activitists; the head of the Somali football federation, Said Mohamed Mugambe, and the head of the country's Olympic committee, Adan Hagi Yabarow Wish.


Thursday, April 5th, 2012 at 11:34 pm

SOMALIA: PM orders full investigation on Wednesday’s suicide bombing

By; Abdalle Ahmed

MOGADISHU (RBC) Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has ordered on Thursday to carry out full investigation on suicide attack at Somali National Theatre which killed at least seven people on Wednesday, RBC Radio reports.

In a press release by the office of the prime minister after urgent cabinet meeting on Thursday said the prime minister named special ministerial committee to investigate the case and provide full report within 24 hours.

“The cabinet first sent heartfelt condolence to the family, friends and relatives of bereaved victims who lost their loved ones in the suicide blast that rocked the Somali national theatre.” The press release which government spokesman Abdurahman Omar Osman read to the media said.

“During the weekly briefing of the cabinet today, the prime minister ordered urgent inspection on the case should be carried and should be given full and satisfied report within the next 24 hours.” The press released added.

Reliable sources told RBC Radio that Wednesday’s attack which Al Shabab took its responsibility drew many questions on how a female suicide managed to enter into the National Theatre where high ranking officials were present. Officials of the office of the premier also suspect that security agents of the government neglected the security of the compound and the people coming there.

“A ministerial committee was appointed today and they will do inbvestigation and will reports directly to the prime minister.” Abdurahman Omar Osman added saying that after the report “appropriate step will be done”.

The defense minister Hussein Arab Isse interviewed by RBC Radio on Wednesday admitted what he said “errors made by the security officials” but did not give clear explanation.

Many Mogadishu residents were optimistic that the security of the capital was returning back in the past months, but many of them strongly believe that the unpaid soldiers of the transitional government and corrupt officials are still the root cause of insecurity acts in the city and could relieve for anti-government elements to puncture the security improvement.

RBC Radio