Somalia: Presidential Palace Attack Exposes Weak Counter-Terrorism Policy

Mogadishu — Somalia's Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group launched a deadly assault on the heavily fortified presidential compound of Villa Somalia, killing senior government officials in the pre-planned attack, Garowe Online reports.
11 people including 9 attackers died in the deadly incident that captured the attention of the international community and the members of the public whose ambition of witnessing greater progress in various key areas including the security dashed.
Mohamed Hirsi Abdulle (Idha'ase) and Gen. Nur Shirbow, a secretary at Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed's office and the former Deputy Chief of National Intelligence and Security Agency respectively were among the victims of the coordinated terror attack in the presidential palace.
According to witnesses, a suicide bomber in a vehicle packed full of explosives targeted the compound gate, followed by a gun battle after Al Shabaab gunmen in military uniform at the time of bombing wadded through the plumes of black smoke over the scene of the attack.
The bold challenge was aimed at killing high-ranking government officials including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who Friday prayers arrive at the mosque under tight security but the president survived the pre-planned heinous attack.
Reacting to the frailty of security apparatus and his administration weak counter-terrorism policy, President Mohamud told a news conference at Mogadishu Presidential Compound that he warns media representatives against exaggeration.
"I would remind everyone that all our misguided enemies will achieve short-lived media headlines," said Mohamud in pursuit of stable Mogadishu.
Shortly before President Mohamud held the press conference, National Security Minister and presidential aide, Abdikarin Hussein Gulled denied reports of death and said on Mogadishu-based radio station that Al Shabaab aims to spread its rampage through the media.
Despite tight security near the presidential palace, Al Shabaab operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Muscab claimed credit for attack, unveiling that special Al Shabaab militants forced their way into Villa Somalia.
"Our special forces today attacked the so-called Presidential palace and they killed senior government officials," noted Al Shabaab official.