Monday August 5, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Osman Fartaag convened a high-level security meeting on Sunday in response to the deadly al-Shabab attack on Liido Beach in Mogadishu.
The meeting, held at the Somali Police Headquarters, was attended by key security officials, including Police Chief Brig. Sulub Ahmed Firin, Director of National Security and Intelligence Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloshe, Mayor of Mogadishu Yusuf Hussein Jimale Madale, and several army commanders.
A source close to the officials revealed that the security minister received a detailed report on Friday's attack, discussing the circumstances and potential security actions. While the Minister vowed that the government would take immediate and strict measures, specifics were not disclosed.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced that several army officers had been arrested in response to the attack, killing at least 35 people and wounding 126 others. He emphasized that the officers around Liido Beach were being held accountable but did not provide details on the number of arrests or the identities of those detained.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre convened an emergency security meeting on Saturday, urging security agencies to remain vigilant in the wake of the attack.
In March, the government arrested 16 people in connection with the March 14 attack on the upscale SYL Hotel near the presidential palace. The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) identified the mastermind behind the attack, who facilitated the smuggling of vehicles used by al-Shabab militants.