![Somalia and Uganda Foil Terror Attacks in Their Capital Cities](https://www.gfatf.org/media/data/2023/05/GFATF-LLL-Somalia-and-Uganda-Foil-Terror-Attacks-in-Their-Capital-Cities.jpg)
Somalia and Uganda Foil Terror Attacks in Their Capital Cities
On Monday, Somali and Uganda reported that their security forces have successfully prevented terror attacks in their respective capital cities. In Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) thwarted a planned attack by the al-Shabaab terrorist group on Mogadishu’s peace garden park, a popular spot near the presidential palace. The intelligence officers reportedly seized suicide vests and an auto rickshaw that were intended for use in the attack.
Meanwhile, in Uganda, six suspects were apprehended by security operatives for allegedly possessing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were meant to be used during anti-government protests in the capital city of Kampala. According to Maj. Charles Kabona, a spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Force, joint operations were conducted on Monday morning following a tip-off.
The planned nationwide demonstrations were called for by the Uganda Freedom Activists group to protest against economic hardships and corruption in the country. However, the police deemed the protest “unlawful,” and security has been heightened in Kampala and its surroundings to prevent protesters from taking to the streets.
During the arrests, police reportedly found 12 wine bottles, charcoal dust, sugar, a jerrycan of petrol, matchboxes, a blasting cap, dynamite, and candlewick, among other items. The discovery of these items underscores the potential danger of the thwarted attacks and the importance of the security forces’ swift action to prevent them. The incidents also highlight the ongoing threat of terrorism and unrest in the region and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.
Source: menafn