Ambassador Richard H. Riley, US ambassador in Somalia. Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia official X account
In a statement released on Tuesday, the embassy said it had suspended all movements of its personnel in the Somali capital until further notice due to the heightened threat.
“The US Department of State level four travel advisory (‘do not travel’) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy,” the statement said.
The embassy also warned that militant groups continue to plan kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks across the country.
“They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, checkpoints, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other locations where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys,” it added.
Somalia has been battling an insurgency by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group for more than a decade.
The militant organization frequently carries out attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of the country, targeting government institutions and international entities.
The latest warning underscores persistent security concerns in Somalia despite ongoing military operations by Somali forces, backed by African Union troops and US assistance, against al Shabaab militants.
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