Mortar Attack in Mogadishu Amid Ethiopian Premier’s Official Visit

Mortars were fired at Mogadishu airport during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit, while the city remained under strict security lockdown. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was at the airport to welcome the Prime Minister. Discussions are set to focus on enhancing bilateral relations amidst heightened security concerns.

Multiple mortars were fired towards the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, coinciding with a visit from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to local media reports. This incident occurred while Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the VIP area of the airport to greet the Prime Minister. The situation in the city remains highly secured under a strict lockdown to ensure safety during the visit.

A security official, who requested to remain anonymous due to media restrictions, confirmed to Anadolu News Agency that several mortars impacted areas near the Aden Adde International Airport but did not provide information regarding any casualties. The mortar attack occurred as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in the capital for discussions expected to cover various bilateral matters, particularly focusing on security cooperation and trade relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.

The visit is highlighted by a mutual agreement between the two countries to enhance diplomatic ties, following the Ankara Declaration, which concluded a prolonged standoff. This agreement was achieved through discussions facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December, underpinning the newfound commitment to fostering collaboration between Ethiopia and Somalia.

In summary, the mortar attack during the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit to Mogadishu emphasizes the high security concerns in the region. Despite the incident, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on critical areas such as security and trade. The leaders’ commitment to enhancing cooperation reflects a positive diplomatic shift following previous tensions.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr