The Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira has commended the Somali Security Forces for preventing what would have been a large-scale attack by Al Shabaab militants, on a hotel in the central business district of Mogadishu.

A truck loaded with explosives failed to reach its target, after it was obstructed by the security forces, leading to a premature explosion near the SYL hotel, shortly before midday.

"Today’s botched attack was as a result of thestudiousforces who risked their lives to prevent another senseless assault by Al Shabaab,” said the AU Special Representative.

"I commend the forces for their alertness, vigilanceand swift action. AMISOM and Somali Security Forces are committed to degrading Al Shabaab and denying them space to operate. We will keep improving our mechanisms to be a step ahead of them, even as they continue to change tactics to remain relevant,” Ambassador Madeira stated.

Ambassador Madeira commiserates with families of victims of today’s attack and wishesquickrecovery to those who sustained injuries.