Somalia: Security Chiefs Sacked After Al-Shabaab Attack

Somalia's government has fired the police and intelligence chiefs the day after Islamic militants attacked and entered the heavily guarded presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, Mustafa Dhuhulow said on Wednesday July 9.

Dhuhulow, Somalia’s Information Minister Mustafa told reporters on Wednesday that police commander Abdihakim Saaid and intelligence chief Bashir Gobe had been replaced immediately.

Dhuhulow said soldiers shot dead three of four militants who forced their way into the presidential palace late on Tuesday, sparking an exchange of heavy gunfire as government troops and African Union peacekeepers tried to repel the attackers. 

The fourth militant was wounded, he said.

The presidency says the attack was foiled and no government official was hurt.

The attack was the second assault on the presidential palace this year.

A new minister for national security was also appointed in changes announced by Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, who was inside the palace when the attack happened.

The presidential compound, which also houses several government offices, has been the subject of many attacks by al-Qaida-linked militants over the years.

The Islamic extremist group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The militia group has vowed to step up attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Somalia’s neighbor Kenya, which has been under frequent attacks from the insurgents with the recent being the killings of at least 100 people in different coastal towns, has refused to change guard in their security docket amid calls by angry citizens and the opposition to sack Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, head of National Security Intelligence Service Michael Gichangi and Central Investigation Department chief Ndegwa Muhoro.