Al-Shabaab suicide bomber targets Mogadishu military academy; casualties unclear. Attack sparks fears of renewed terrorism; group claims it targeted foreign trainers.

An al-Shabaab suicide bomber attacked the Jaalle Siyaad military academy in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday, according to statements from the government and eyewitnesses. The explosion, which occurred shortly before midday, was carried out by a suicide bomber affiliated with the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, raising renewed fears of a terrorism resurgence in the Horn of Africa nation.

The Somali government confirmed the blast in a brief statement, describing it as an attack by a “Kharijite” suicide bomber—a term often used by Somali authorities to describe al-Shabaab militants. While the statement acknowledged the explosion, it did not provide details on the extent of damage or any possible casualties. It noted that investigations by security forces were underway.

Eyewitnesses near the scene described hearing a loud explosion and seeing a plume of smoke rising from the area surrounding the academy. One witness, Ali Bashir, said the blast was heavy and that the military quickly cordoned off the site.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating in a message that the target was a group of foreign nationals involved in training Somali army personnel at the academy. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar attack on the same facility in 2023, which left at least 20 people dead.

This latest bombing highlights the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabaab despite recent military operations that have pushed the group out of some strongholds. The militants have increased attacks in recent months, including an attempted assault on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy, stirring concerns over the country's security stability.