A deadly attack at a popular beachfront location in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, resulted in at least 37 fatalities on Friday, according to police reports. The attack, claimed by the militant group al-Shabab, has heightened security concerns in the region.
Al-Shabab, which has been engaged in ongoing conflict with Somali authorities, claims the casualties are higher than official figures suggest. This attack comes in the wake of recent military operations in Jubaland that reportedly killed dozens of jihadist fighters, raising fears of potential reprisal attacks.
Meanwhile, in Kismayo, located in Somalia’s Jubaland state, authorities have begun enforcing a controversial ban on the niqab, a face-covering veil worn by some Muslim women. The operation, which started last Wednesday, involves police confiscating niqabs from women in the streets and forcing them to remove the garment.
Kismayo’s police commissioner, Hasan Wasame, stated that women caught wearing the niqab could face jail time or fines. The ban, initially introduced in 2013 citing security risks, had rarely been enforced until now.
The niqab ban can only be implemented in Kismayo and its surrounding areas, as al-Shabab controls much of southern Somalia, limiting the authorities’ reach. This enforcement has sparked debates about religious freedom and security measures in the predominantly Muslim country.
According to government statistics, 99% of Somalia’s population practices Islam. While the niqab has reportedly gained popularity recently, most Somali women opt for the hijab, which covers the hair but not the face.
