At least three militants died as an al-Qaida-linked extremist group attacked an intelligence training facility Sunday in Mogadishu.
Gunmen from the al-Qaida linked al-Shabab failed in a bid to launch a deadly attack inside one of the intelligence training bases in Mogadishu.
The attackers arrived outside the compound in an explosive laden vehicle, detonating the car outside the intelligence training base in Shibis district. Police said two gunmen apparently lost their way and were attacking a civilian house close to their target when they were shot and killed.
National Security Ministry spokesman Mohamed Yusuf said the government had intelligence that helped in foiling the attack early Sunday.
He said that since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, security personnel have been deployed on major roads of the capital. He said the attackers tried to use an alternative route, but were foiled by intelligence forces.
Al-Shabab recently vowed to increase its attacks against the country’s federal government and its allies as a part of its so-called Ramadan offensive. The group has in the past attacked government officials, institutions, security personnel, United Nations organizations, foreign embassies and African Union troops.
The government is warning young people not to be used by terrorist groups.
Spokesman Yusuf said al-Shabab continues to persuade youth to carry out deadly attacks, especially during Ramadan.
An al-Shabab attack killed almost a dozen security personnel Saturday in Afgoye town, 30 kilometers southwest of the capital.
