Mortars were fired at the airport in Mogadishu during Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s visit, coinciding with heightened security measures in the city. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the airport for the VIP welcome. A security official confirmed impact near the airport, but details on casualties were not provided. Discussions during the visit aim to bolster bilateral relations following the Ankara Declaration.
Mogadishu, Somalia witnessed several mortars being fired towards the airport during the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The incident occurred as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was at the VIP area waiting to greet the Prime Minister. Local media reported that the city was under strict lockdown for enhanced security during this high-profile visit.
A security official, who spoke anonymously due to media restrictions, confirmed to Anadolu news agency that some mortar rounds impacted near the Aden Adde International Airport. However, they did not clarify whether any injuries or damages resulted from the attack. The situation unfolded as Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu to engage in discussions with President Mohamud.
The agenda for the bilateral talks between the leaders includes security cooperation, trade relations, and overall efforts to reinforce ties between Somalia and Ethiopia. This meeting follows the Ankara Declaration, which was established in December to resolve a long-standing standoff between the two nations, a process facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders have also agreed upon further exchanges of state visits in the future.
The mortar fire incident near Mogadishu’s airport coincided with the official visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, underlining the region’s security challenges. Despite the chaos, the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia are set to discuss critical collaborations aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. The situation underscores the complexity of security in the area as both countries work towards improving ties after recent negotiations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
