Mogadishu suicide bomber kills at least 10 at army recruitment drive
NBC1 day
Deadly Suicide Blast Hits Somalia Military Recruitment Center
Above: This image shows shoes left on the ground outside a military camp on May 18, 2025, in the Hodan area of Mogadishu, Somalia. Image copyright: Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
These attacks reflect desperate attempts by weakening terrorist elements to discourage young Somalis from joining legitimate government forces. The military's ongoing recruitment efforts and the willingness of youth to enlist despite such threats show growing public support for the government's fight against extremism and its push for stability.
Opposition narrative
The continued attacks on military installations demonstrate the government's failure to secure even its most vital facilities. The targeting of young recruits reveals serious security vulnerabilities and highlights the insurgents' ability to infiltrate and strike at will, undermining public confidence in the state's ability to protect its citizens and military personnel.