Civilian Dead As Alshabaab Fires Motor Shells At Somalia’s Presidential Residence

At least one civilian was killed after motor shells hit Villa Somalia the official Presidential residence, Radio Dalsan reports.

According to a security source who spoke to Radio Dalsan on condition of anonymity six motor shells targeted Villa Somalia.

“One woman a civilian was killed inside Villa Somalia compound near the main gate”, the security source said.

“Six motor shells had targeted the area. Two motor shells landed within the Villa Somalia. One causing the death of the woman and the other hitting where the Villa Somalia security is based” the security source told Radio Dalsan.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo was away for an official trip to Puntland when the incident occurred.

Residents in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne and Wardhigley districts also reported motor shells landed in the areas.

Later through affiliated websites, Alshabaab claimed it fired five motor shells targeting Farmaajo’s residence

This is the second time that Villa Somalia has been hit by motor shells. In February 2017 the Villa Somalia was targeted and three civilians at settlements outside the Presidential residence were killed as the newly elected President Farmajo officially took over from Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.