Fourteen senior Somali Military officials, including the commander of Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy, have been arrested in connection with the deadly attack on the camp in Mogadishu, where a suicide bomber blew himself up, claiming the lives of many soldiers.

Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Abdifatah Kassim appeared before the Lower House of the Federal Parliament on Saturday to answer questions regarding the Al-Shabaab suicide attack.

The Deputy Minister confirmed that 14 officers, including the commander of the military college, senior officers, investigation officers, and soldiers, were arrested in connection with the explosion that killed dozens of military soldiers undergoing training. He further stated that investigations are ongoing, and anyone suspected to be involved in the attack will be brought before the law.

The Deputy minister also noted that the case is being investigated by a committee comprising security agencies such as NISA, the police, and the Ministry of Defence, and all the suspected individuals will be taken to court.

“A joint committee, comprising the intelligence Agency, the Police, and the Ministry of Defense, is currently investigating the attack on Jaalle Siyaad Military Training camp. As of now, 14 individuals, including the camp commander, several other officials, and soldiers, have been arrested in connection with the incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and the final report will be made available, followed by appropriate legal procedures, including review by the office of the Attorney General and the courts,” stated Abdifatah Kassim, Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Defence.

On 24th July 2023, at least 30 soldiers were killed, and over 70 others were injured in the tragic incident. Al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that they had killed 73 soldiers and injured 124 others in the suicide attack