Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud survived an assassination attempt in Mogadishu, security sources reported today.

The attack occurred last night when Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, launched an armed assault on the president’s convoy in a key area of the capital. Heavy clashes ensued between security forces and the assailants, resulting in multiple militant casualties and injuries among the presidential guards.

Government sources confirmed that the president was unharmed, while security forces swiftly imposed a lockdown around the attack site and launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators.

This failed attempt is part of a broader wave of attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting government officials and security forces, aimed at destabilizing the country and obstructing government-led counterterrorism efforts.

The Somali government has been engaged in a major military campaign against the militant group since last year, with support from African and international forces, in an effort to reclaim Al-Shabaab-controlled areas.