According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, Al-Shabaab had carried out more than 850 attacks ranging from kidnappings to massive bombings across Somalia by August 2019, killing over 1,600 people and injuring many others.79 In July 25, 2019, over 10 senior government officers including district commissioners and regional officials are killed, and dozens injured in Mogadishu in a suicide bombing in the city. The mayor of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu Abdirahman Omar Osman sustains serious injuries from the terrorist attack. He later died on August 1, 2019 in Qatar while receiving treatment since the attack.80

"Regional overview, Africa-Analysis by Country, Somalia,” ACLED Data, August 2019; retrieved September 10, 2019

Omar Nor, "Mogadishu mayor dies of wounds following Al-Shabaab attack,” CNN, August 1, 2019; retrieved on September 8, 2019.

"Somalia: More than a dozen killed in Mogadishu car bomb explosion,” The Defense Post, July 22, 2019; retrieved on September 7, 2019.

Jason Burke, "Somali forces brace for new attacks after hotel assault leaves dozens dead,” The Guardian, July 13, 2019; retrieved on September 8, 2019.

people are killed and 16 others injured following twin car bombings near parliament and presidential palace in Mogadishu, respectively.83 In the month of March alone, Al-Shabaab launched 77 attacks across the country.84 On February 28, 2019, 29 people were killed and 80 sustained serious injuries when the group attacked the popular Maka Al-Mukarama hotel in Mogadishu.85 On February 4, 2019, 11 people died and 10 injured in a car bomb attack in the capital Mogadishu targeting civilians.86 Targeted for attacks are individuals and businesses who resisted paying Al-Shabaab taxes.87