Suspected Al-Shabaab mortar attacks near Somalia’s presidential palace leave several injured

At least four people were wounded after suspected mortar shells struck areas near the presidential palace in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Saturday morning, according to local media reports.

The blasts, which were heard across the city, hit residential neighbourhoods near Villa Somalia, including Warta Nabadda and Boondheere districts.

One of the shells landed inside the National Theatre compound, injuring a staff member. Another exploded at Warta Nabadda square, wounding two civilians, while a third struck a house in Boondheere district, local sources reported.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Calm has since returned to the area surrounding the presidential complex, with normal traffic reported in the heavily fortified zone.

The al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab has previously launched mortar attacks targeting key government sites such as Villa Somalia and the Halane compound.

Saturday’s shelling comes amid intensified fighting across the country, particularly in central Galmudug State, Southwest State, and on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

The group appears to be escalating its attacks in an attempt to expand its presence and capture new territory.