Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – On Wednesday July 9, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m. a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest detonated near the 14th October Brigade headquarters at Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu’s Hodan district.
Reportedly followed the initial blast, suggesting the involvement of an armed assailant besides the bomber.
At least four Somali military officers were confirmed killed, including junior officers; several others injured.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility, stating the attack targeted a Western training delegation (from the U.S., EU or Turkey) present at the academy.
This is the second major attack on this facility; the academy was tragically hit in July 2023, when a bomber in uniform killed 25 soldiers and injured over 70.
Somalia’s military has since intensified anti–al-Shabaab operations, including offensives in Hiran and central regions.
Authorities are reviewing security lapses after the bomber breached the facility.
In previous similar incidents, investigations have led to arrests of several officers suspected of complicity—but no independent findings have been published yet.
Al-Shabaab’s enduring strategy is to disrupt ongoing efforts to strengthen Somali security by targeting military sites and foreign-supported programs.
The presence of Western trainers makes the academy a high‑value target in their campaign.
The deadly recurrence at the same base also raises serious questions about base infiltration and internal vetting.
Al-Shabaab persistently targeting military training centers, particularly those involving international support.
Despite heightened security, the group continues to exploit vulnerabilities—underscoring the urgent need for robust counter‑insider and perimeter defenses.