In a statement from its embassy in Kenya, the U.S thanked the Somali Security Services and their AMISOM allies for preventing the assailants from reaching the president.

“The United States stands firmly with the Somali people in their rejection of terrorism and political violence,” reads the statement from Somalia affairs unit in part, saying Washington sent its condolences “to the families and survivors of those who gave their lives defending Somalia’s new government”.

On Tuesday, Washington congratulated the newly elect Somali president on his victory, with the White House calling it “an important milestone” for the country.

But on Thursday Hassan had been moved to a secure compound after surviving unharmed a bomb attack at a hotel that killed three others and dented the hopes of change, AFP reports.

The al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the apparent twin suicide bomb attacks on Wednesday outside the Mogadishu hotel where president Mohamud was holding a press conference after meeting a Kenyan delegation.