Somalia

Terror attacks happen very often in Somalia. Terror attacks can take place anywhere, at any time.

Somali militants have threatened attacks throughout the country. This includes in Mogadishu, Puntland and Somaliland. They have the proven capacity to carry out such attacks.

Mogadishu International Airport is a high-priority target because of the large numbers of Westerners there. Terrorists have targeted aircraft and airports. 

Recent terrorist attacks

Many recent attacks have targeted Somali government officials, foreigners and UN workers.

Significant recent attacks include:

• July 2019 – a suicide attack on the Mayor’s office in Mogadishu killed the mayor and several advisers.
• July 2019 – an attack at a hotel in the city of Kismaayo in southern Somalia, killed 26 people and over 50 injured
• November 2018 — Al Shabaab attacked the Sahafi hotel near the CID Police Headquarters in Mogadishu, killing 39 people.
• October 2018 — 2 suicide bombers killed at least 19 people at a restaurant and hotel in Baidoa.
• February 2018 — a suicide car bomb near the Presidential Palace killed at least 32 people.
• December 2017 — a suicide bomber killed at least 18 police officers at a training centre in Mogadishu.
• October 2017 — Al Shabaab attacked the Nasa-Hablod Hotel in Mogadishu, killing at least 27 people.
• October 2017 — 2 vehicle bombs in central Mogadishu killed 358 people and injured many more.
• September 2017 — a car bomb in Mogadishu killed 7 people.
• September 2017 — Al Shabaab attacked military bases outside of Mogadishu and in Kismayo, killing Somali soldiers.
• August 2017 — a car bomb in Kismayo killed up to 20 people.
• July 2017 — a bomb in central Mogadishu killed up to 7 people.

Common targets

Deadly attacks against government targets, including buildings, are common.

Westerners and people working for international organisations and the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are also targets.

Many attacks involve multiple explosions, car bombs and armed gunmen.

Other possible targets for attacks include:

• hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars and other commercial and public areas where foreigners go
• foreign interests such as embassies
• places of worship, schools, markets, shopping areas, tourist areas, historic sites, outdoor recreation events and other public spaces
• transport and transport infrastructure, including airports and aircraft
• foreign oil companies, oil infrastructure, and oil fields
• residential areas

Days of national significance and religious festivals such as Ramadan have seen more attacks than usual.

Somalia isn’t safe. It doesn’t have an effective police force.

Don’t travel to Somalia, or leave Somalia as soon as possible.

If, despite our advice, you decide to stay:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• plan for uncertainty and stock up on essential items (water, food, toiletries, fuel and prescription medication)
• limit your movements, especially around days of national significance and religious festivals
• be alert at all times
• have a clear exit plan

To reduce your risks if there’s an attack:

• leave the area straight away if it’s safe to do so
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government