Country Profile for SOMALIA

Alert for Somalia

 

Car bomb targets government convoy in Mogadishu - 5 May 2013:

At least eight people have been killed in a car bomb attack on a government convoy in the capital Mogadishu.  Al-Shabaab militants drove a car packed with explosives into the armoured government vehicle in the centre of the city.

Journalist shot dead in Mogadishu - 23 April 2013:

A Somali journalist has been shot dead in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the fifth to be killed in the country this year.  Ibrahim Rage, who was killed outside his home in the Ma'ma'anka neighbourhood, worked for the state-run radio station in the city.

Twin attacks leave 19 dead in Mogadishu - 14 April 2013:

At least 19 people have been killed after al-Shabaab militants carried out two attacks in Mogadishu.  Armed militants dressed in Somali police uniforms killed 16 people when they stormed the city's main court buildings, while a further three people died when a bomb exploded on the road to the airport.

Bomb explodes outside Mogadishu bank - 2 April 2013:

A bomb has exploded outside the headquarters of Somalia's biggest bank in the capital Mogadishu.  Two people were wounded in the blast at the enterance of the Dahabshiil bank, which occurred hours after al-Shabaab militants warned the company to cease operations in areas under their control.

Car bomb kills eight in Mogadishu - 18 March 2013:

At least eight people have been killed after a massive car bomb exploded in central Mogadishu.  The blast occurred in close proximity to the presidential palace and the National Theatre.  Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two killed by Mogadishu car bomb - 18 February 2013:

Two people have been killed and two others wounded after a car bomb exploded outside a beachfront restaurant in Mogadishu.  The device was reported to have been detonated by remote control.

Four killed in Halkayo suicide blast - 12 February 2013:

At least four people have been killed after a suicide car bomb exploded in the central region of Galkayo. A senior Puntland police officer was also reported to have been wounded in the blast.

Suicide bombers target leaders - 29 January 2013:

At least two people have been killed in a suicide attack on the offices of Somalia's president and prime minister in Mogadishu.  Both men are said to be unharmed, although 12 people were wounded by the blast.

Westerners urged to leave Somaliland - 27 January 2013:

The UK Foreign Office (FCO) has urged all British nationals to leave Somaliland due to a specific threat to Westerners.  The FCO did not specify the nature of the threat, but listed kidnapping as a high risk throughout Somalia.

French soldiers killed in hostage rescue raid - 12 January 2013:

A French soldier has been killed in a gun battle during a failed rescue operation in Somalia.  The troops were attempting to free a French intelligence agent, who is also believed to have been killed in the raid.  Another soldier is missing, while at least 17 militants are also reported to have died.

Puntland troops rescue crew of MV Iceberg One - 23 December 2012:

Troops in Puntland have rescued 22 hostages following a gunfight with their pirate captors near the coastal village of Gara'ad.  The crew, which had been in captivity for almost three years, showed signs of physical torture and illness when they were rescued.

Al-Shabaab flee from central stronghold - 09 December 2012:

The Islamist militant group al-Shabaab have been forced out of Jowhar, their main stronghold in central Somalia, by government and African Union (AU) troops.  Small skirmishes were reported around the town, but the majority of militants are reported to have fled before the government troops arrived.

Puntland troops killed in al-Shabaab attack - 05 December 2012:

At least 12 Puntland soldiers have been killed in a series of attacks by al-Shabaab militants in the Bari region.  Two troops were killed in a gun battle with militants in the village of Sugure, while a group of 10 soldiers died when the vehicle they were travelling in hit a landmine.  Increasing numbers of al-Shabaab fighters are believed to have headed north into Puntland after being forced out of their southern strongholds by African Union and government troops.

Local businessman shot dead in Mogadishu - 26 November 2012:

A prominent local businessman has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.  Ahmed Nure Awdiini was shot at point blank range outside of his offices in the city.  More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Twin suicide blast at Mogadishu restaurant - 03 November 2012:

Two suicide bombers have blown themselves up outside a restaurant in the capital Mogadishu.  At least one person was killed in the blast. which occurred at The Village establishment in the Hodan district of the city.

Somali poet gunned down in Mogadishu - 30 October 2012:

A prominent Somali poet has been shot dead outside his home in the capital, Mogadishu.  Warsame Shire Awale had been critical of the militant group al-Shabaab and recently urged young people to support the UN-backed government.

General killed in al-Shabaab ambush - 29 October 2012:

A senior Somali military commander has been killed in an ambush by suspected al-Shabaab militants near the town of Merca.  Mohamed Ibrahim Farah is the first general to be killed by the Islamic militant group.

Somaliland journalist shot dead - 24 October 2012:

A journalist in the northern breakaway region of Somaliland has been shot dead by gunmen in the city of Las Anod.  Ahmed Farah was working for the UK-based Somali station Universal TV when he was killed.

AMISON troops launch Kismayo assault - 28 September 2012:

Kenyan troops from AMISOM have launched an assault on the port city of Kismayo, the last stronghold of the militant group al-Shabaab.  Troops carried out an amphibious assault during the night, seizing control of the port before fighting erupted throughout the rest of the city.

Civilians shot dead by AMISOM troops - 24 September 2012:

Seven civilians have been shot dead by Kenyan troops from the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) near the port city of Kismayo.  Adan Mohamed Hirsi told the BBC that "it was a deliberate killing".  Meanwhile at least 200 al-Shabaab fighters are reported to have surrendered to AMISOM troops.

MP shot dead in Mogadishu - 22 September 2012:

A member of Somalia's new parliament has been shot dead outside a mosque in the capital, Mogadishu.  Mustafa Haji Maalim was gunned down in the southern Waberi district by suspected al-Shabaab militants.

Newly elected president escapes assassination attempt - 12 September 2012:

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the newly elected president of Somalia, has escaped an attempted assassination attempt at the Jaxeera Palace hotel in Mogadishu.  The president was meeting Kenya's foreign minister and other dignitaries when a bomb exploded outside the hotel gate.  Gunfire was also reported at the scene, and at least three people are believed to have been killed.

Hassan Sheikh elected as president - 11 September 2012:

Somalia's parliament have elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country's new president, beating incumbent Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in a run-off poll.  The new president was sworn into the office immediately after the result.

Somali parliament to vote for new president - 10 September 2012:

Somalia's new parliament is preparing to vote for a new president, the next step in the country's attempted transition from a failed state to a functioning nation.  The current Islamist President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, in power since 2009, is the favourite for the post.

Kenyan navy launch Kismayo offensive - 05 September 2012:

The Kenyan navy has begun shelling the Somali port of Kismayo ahead of an expected ground offensive.  Hundreds of residents are reportedly fleeing the city, which is the main stronghold of the militant Islamic group al-Shabaab.

Children killed in Balad school explosion - 27 August 2012:

At least six Somali school children have been killed after a bomb exploded in their school playground in the town of Balad.  The town, around 30km north of Mogadishu, was recently seized from al-Shabaab.

Journalists killed in Somalia - 13 August 2012:

Two Somali journalists have been killed in separate incidents in the capital, Mogadishu.  So far this year nine journalists have been killed in the country, most of them in targeted assassinations.

Somali assembly backs new constitution - 01 August 2012:

Somali leaders have backed a new UN-backed constitution in the country, shortly after two suicide bombers attacked the assembly building in Mogadishu.  Under the proposals a new parliament will choose the next Somali leader on 20 August.

Finance Ministry official shot dead in Mogadishu - 20 July 2012:

Somalia's Finance Ministry Deputy Director has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Mogadishu.  Mohamed Ali Hussein was gunned down after leaving evening prayers in the city.

Suicide attack targets government base in Afgoye - 16 June 2012:

A suicide car bomb has targeted a government base in the southern town of Afgoye.  Al-Shabaab claimed that one of its fighters had carried out the attack.

Al-Shabaab attack presidential convoy - 29 May 2012:

Al-Shabaab militants have attacked the presidential convoy on the outskirts of Elasha town, located between Mogadishu and Afgoye.  No casualties have been reported.

Soldiers killed in Mogadishu bombing - 19 May 2012:

Three soldiers and two civilians have been killed in two separate bomb attacks in Mogadishu.  The government soldiers and one civilian were killed when a bomb which had been planted in a tree exploded, whilst another person died in a suspected grenade attack in Bakara market.  Al-Shabaab are being blamed for the attacks.

MPs killed in Dusa Mareb suicide attack - 01 May 2012:

Seven people, including three MPs, have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the central Somali town of Dhuusa Marreeb.  Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al-Shabaab attack kills 12 in Baidoa - 09 April 2012:

At least 12 people have been killed in a bombing in the southern city of Baidoa.  Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Mogadishu suicide bombing kills seven - 04 April 2012:

At least seven people have been killed in an explosion at the national theatre in Mogadishu.  The heads of the county's Olympic committee and Somali football association were amongst the dead. 

Ethiopian troops seize El Bur from al-Shabaab - 26 March 2012:

Ethiopian troops and Somali pro-government forces have captured the central town of El Bur from al-Shabaab.  The Islamic militants withdrew before from their bases prior to the arrival of the pro-government forces.

Car bomb explodes in Mogadishu - 21 March 2012:

A car bomb has exploded in central Mogadishu, wounding at least two people.  Police have arrested four men in connection with the attack, including one with a remote control believed to have been used to detonate the device.

British hostage released from Somalia - 21 March 2012:

The British woman kidnapped from northern Kenya has been released after being held for six months in Somalia.  It has been reported that Judith Tebbutt's relatives have paid a ransom for her release.

Civilians killed by mortar fire in Mogadishu - 19 March 2012:

At least six people civilians have been killed after mortars hit a refugee camp near the presidential palace in Mogadishu.  The militant Islamic group al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Deadly explosion at government compound - 14 March 2012:

At least three people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a government compound in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.  The blast occurred outside the home of the former parliamentary speaker at Villa Somalia, a heavily fortified compound in the city.  Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Somali journalist killed by masked men in Galkayo - 05 March 2012:

Masked gunmen have shot dead a Somali journalist  close to his home in Galkayo.  Ali Ahmed Abdi was working for a Somali news website, and his death comes less than a week after the head of Radio Somaliweyn was killed in Mogadishu.

Radio journalist shot dead in Mogadishu - 29 February 2012:

A Somali radio journalist has been shot dead by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Mogadishu.  Abukar Hassan Kadaf, the head of Radio Somaliweyn, was killed outside his home in the city.

Ethiopian troops capture Baidoa from al-Shabaab - 22 February 2012:

Ethiopian troops have captured the south-western town of Baidoa, a strategic stronghold of the militant group al-Shabaab.  Around 20 Ethiopian troops reportedly entered the town after al-Shabaab withdrew, claiming that they would carry out guerrilla warfare instead.

Al-Shabaab threatens to intensify insurgency - 18 February 2012:

The militant Islamic group al-Shabaab has threatened to intensify its insurgency against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and AMISOM peacekeeping troops.  On Friday a car bomb wounded two people outside a police station in Mogadishu, while the group used Twitter to "warn all Muslims of Somalia to stay away from the enemy bases".

Suicide car bomb reported in Mogadishu - 08 February 2012:

At least 10 people have been killed and more than 20 others injured after a car bomb attack in Mogadishu.  The device exploded outside a cafe near the Hotel Muna, an area frequented by Somali politicians.  Al-Shabaab have taken responsibility for the attack.

Aid workers rescued in US military raid - 25 January 2012:

Two foreign aid workers have been rescued from Somalia following a raid by US military forces.  The operation was carried out by a group of navy seals and involved a gunfight with the kidnappers.  The hostages, a US woman and Danish man, were taken from the northern town of Galkayo last October. 

Al-Shabaab attacks Ethiopian military base - 24 January 2012:

Members of the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab have carried out a suicide bomb attack on an Ethiopian military base in central Somalia.  The group claim to have killed 10 Ethiopian soldiers in the attack on the the town of Beledweyne.

US national kidnapped in Galkayo - 21 January 2012:

A US national has been kidnapped by a group of suspected pirates in the town of Galkayo.  A security official in the Galmudug region said that the kidnappers had taken the hostage to Hobyo, a well known pirate base.

Kenyan air strikes kill 60 in Somalia - 07 January 2012:

The Kenyan army claim to have killed more than 60 al-Shabaab militants in air strikes in southern Somalia.  The air strikes targeted positions in Garbaharey town in the Gedo region.

Suicide car bomb kills five in Mogadishu - 06 December 2011:

At least five people have been killed by a suicide car bomb in the capital, Mogadishu.  Police officers stopped and searched a car in the city when the device exploded.

Kenyan air raids leave 10 people dead - 30 October 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed after Kenyan jets carried out a series of air strikes in southern Somalia.  The planes were targeting al-Shabaab militants, although civilians are reported to be amongst the casualties.

Four dead in Somali border attack - 27 October 2011:

Four people have been killed in Kenya after militants attacked a civilian lorry in the town of Mandera, situated close the Somali border.  The assailants used RPGs and machine guns to attack the vehicle, which was reportedly carrying school examination papers.

Three aid workers captured in Somalia - 25 October 2011:

Two Western aid workers and a Somali national from the Danish Demining Group have been kidnapped from northern Somalia.  A local official has reported that the trio were taken near the airport at Galkayo town.

Kenyan offensive makes gains against al-Shabaab - 19 October 2011:

Kenyan troops have captured a key al-Shabaab base and killed around 75 militant fighters as part of the offensive which began on Sunday.  The Kenyan forces, working in co-operation with Somali troops, are currently concentrating their operations in the Afmadow region. 

Suicide car bomb attack kills four in Mogadishu - 18 October 2011:

At least four people have been killed by a suicide car bomb attack in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.  Al-Shabaab, the militant group who recently withdrew from the city, are reported to have been behind the attack.

Kenya sends forces to Somalia - 16 October 2011:

Kenya has launched a military operation in Somalia against al-Shabaab following the high profile kidnappings of four Western nationals.  On Thursday two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp while a British woman and French woman were kidnapped from beach resorts in the north of the country.

Mogadishu bombing leaves more than 55 dead - 04 October 2011:

At least 55 people have been killed after a large bomb exploded outside of government buildings in Mogadishu.  According to reports al-Shabaab, which retreated from the city to begin a guerrilla campaign, have claimed responsibility for the attack

Heavy fighting leaves 30 dead in central Somalia - 03 September 2011:

At least 30 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded after heavy fighting broke out in the central town Galkayou.  The the town lies between the Puntland and Galmudug regions of Somalia.  The fighting is reportedly taking place between Puntland troops and a group with links to al-Shabaab.

Residents flee Mogadishu as rebels begin guerrilla attacks - 08 August 2011:

Large numbers of residents have fled the Somalian capital Mogadishu after al-Shabaab rebels clashed with African Union-backed government troops.  The rebels withdrew from the city at the weekend and declared a change of military tactics.

Al-Shabaab attack AMISOM base in Mogadishu - 01 August 2011:

Al-Shabaab militants have carried out two suicide bomb attacks on an African Union (AMISOM) base in Mogadishu's Hamar Bile region, killing two AU soldiers and wounding three.  An al-Shabaab spokesman claimed that the attack killed three US soldiers and eight AU troops.

Heavy fighting breaks out in Mogadishu - 28 July 2011:

Heavy fighting between transitional government troops supported by African Union peacekeepers and al-Shabaab militants has broken out in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.  At least four people are reported to have been killed in the fighting which is taking place amid deliveries of aid into the city by the UN World Food Programme.

Oil exploration convoy attacked in Puntland - 26 July 2011:

A convoy of Africa Oil executives and Puntland Administration officials have been attacked by gunmen in the Ufeyn district of Puntland.  No injuries were reported in the attack.

Somali minister kidnapped near Mogadishu - 21 July 2011:

Somalia's newly appointed women's minister has been kidnapped in the town of Balad.  Islamist rebels linked to al-Shabaab are reported to be behind the abduction.

Horn of Africa drought threatens 10m with famine - 06 July 2011:

The worst drought in 60 years threatens some 10 million people with starvation in Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya.  The desperate conditions have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes and flee to the world's largest refugee camp in the town of Dadaab in Kenya.

Tribal clashes leave 20 dead in central Somalia - 05 July 2011:

At least 20 people are reported to have been killed in central Somalia as rival tribes clashed.  Militias from the Gal-mudug State and Himan & Heb clashed in the village of Dhegtur in the Mudug region.

Ethiopian troops kill ONLF fighters in Ogaden - 04 July 2011:

Ethiopian troops have killed 15 Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) soldiers in the country's Somali region. The ONLF have been fighting a low-level insurgency in the region since 1984.

Militants targeted in US drone strike - 01 July 2011:

The US military has reportedly carried out a series of drone strikes in Somalia, targeting groups affiliated with the global al-Qaeda terrorism network.  Two members of the al-Shabaab group are believed to have been injured by the strikes.

Six killed by roadside bomb blast in Mogadishu - 22 June 2011:

At least six people have been killed in roadside bomb blast in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.  The device exploded when it was hit by a minibus carrying civilians.  No group have taken responsibility for the attack, which may have been targeting African Union forces.   

Foreign nationals jailed for alleged ransom drop - 19 June 2011:

Six foreign nationals have been jailed for bringing more than $3m in cash into Somalia, allegedly as part of a piracy ransom drop.  The group, which comprised of three Britons, two Kenyans and an American, had been arrested in Mogadishu on 24 May.

Senior al-Qaeda leader killed in Somalia - 12 June 2011:

Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, al-Qaeda's leader in East Africa, has been killed in a shootout at a security checkpoint in Mogadishu.  He is believed to be the mastermind behind the 1998 terrorist attacks on the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Four Ugandan soldiers killed by al-Shabaab militants - 06 June 2011:

Four Ugandan soldiers have been killed by al-Shabaab militants in a district of Mogadishu.  The soldiers had been deployed to Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in the war-torn country. 

Al-Shabaab militants clash with government troops - 12 April 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed in clashes between al-Shabaab militants and government troops in the capital, Mogadishu.  The two forces exchanged mortar and heavy gun fire in the city and more than 18 people are reported to have been injured.

African Union soldiers killed in clashes with al-Shabaab - 06 March 2011:

Clashes between African Union peacekeepers and al-Shabaab militants has left at least 50 soldiers dead and dozens more injured.  There has been intense fighting in Somalia in recent weeks as AU forces attempt to destroy al-Shabaab's control over large areas of the country.

Roadside bomb targets Puntland official - 05 March 2011:

A police official from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland escaped without injury after a bomb exploded close to his car in Galkayo.  Three civilians were injured in the blast, which is the latest such attack in recent weeks to occur in the region.

Al-Shabaab threatens attacks against Kenya - 27 February 2011:

The Somalian militants Islamic group Al-Shabaab has threatened to launch a series of attacks in Kenya unless the authorities there stop training Somali government soldiers.  The spokesman for the group, Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage, told a group of reporters in Mogadishu that the Kenyan authorities will be responsible for any terrorist attacks.

African Union soldiers killed in clashes with rebels - 24 February 2011:

Six African Union soldiers have been been killed in a series of clashes with Al-Shabaab rebels in the capital, Mogadishu.  The AU troops are supporting the government in a renewed campaign against the Islamic insurgents.

Suicide car bomb kills 17 in Mogadishu - 21 February 2011:

A suicide car bomb has killed at least 17 people near a police training camp in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.  Al Shabaab, the Islamic militants with links to al-Qaeda, are believed to be responsible for the attack.

Police clash with soldiers in the capital - 01 February 2011:

At least 16 people were killed and 54 more injured when government soldiers clashes with police in the capital, Mogadishu.  It has been reported that the clashes were sparked by a soldier shooting dead a police officer near the Benadir hospital.

African Union soldiers clash with Islamic militants - 14 December 2010:

At least 15 people have been killed and around 30 injured in clashes between African Union troops and Islamic militants in Mogadishu.

30 killed in Somalia clashes - 07 December 2010:

At least 30 people have been killed and dozens more injured on clashes between rival clans in northern Somalia.  The clans are from Puntland and Galmudug and there have been increasing tensions between the two over ownership of land and access to water. 

Weekend of fighting leaves 18 dead in Mogadishu - 06 December 2010:

Pro-government forces and Islamist insurgents have clashed in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, over the weekend, leaving at least 18 dead and more than 60 injured.

Pro and anti-government militants clash - 22 November 2010:

Separate Islamic militia groups have clashed in central and southern Somalia over the weekend, leaving at least 24 people dead.

Peacekeepers clash with Islamic militants - 18 November 2010:

African Union peacekeepers and Islamic militants have clashed in Mogadishu, leaving at least 21 people dead.  The violence is believed to have been sparked by a roadside bomb which targeted an African Union convoy.

British yacht couple held since October 2009 finally released - 15 November 2010:

The British couple kidnapped from their yacht in the Indian Ocean over a year ago have been released.  It is believed that a ransom has been paid, however no official statements have been made.

Clashes in capital kills 15 - 02 November 2010:

At least 15 people have died in clashed between Islamic militants and government forces in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

Aid workers kidnapped in Somalia - 15 October 2010:

Two Save the Children aid workers have been kidnapped in the town of Adado, close to the Ethiopian border.  The two men, one a UK security consultant and a local worker, are believed to have been taken hostage by the Al-Shabaab Islamic militant group.

Somalia Data Sheet

 

Population: 10 million

Major Religion/s: : Islam (Sunni)

International dialling code: +252

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: none currently in operation

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Arid in the north, semi-arid in the south

Other Major Cities: Hargeysa, Berbera, Kisimayo, Marka

Borders: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya

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