A car bomb in the Somali capital Mogadishu has killed at least five people and wounded dozens. Al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the Sunday attack. The death toll is expected to rise.
At least five people were killed and 13 were injured as a result of the bombing near a police station along the busy Maka Almukarramah road in the Somali capital.
The blast occurred when Somali soldiers were searching cars at a nearby intersection.
Huge blast destroys schools, mosque and an administrative headquarters in #Mogadishu”™s #Howlwadaag district. Children among victims of the deadly car bomb. #Somalia. Photo credit: jowhar news website pic.twitter.com/JGejbtmo1c
— Abdulaziz Billow Ali (@AbdulBillowAli) September 2, 2018
Mohamed Hussein, a police official, said it could be a suicide bombing.
“So far we know civilians died and 20 others were injured. They were mostly pedestrians while others were shopping,” Hussein said. “The death toll may rise. Most of the injuries are very serious.”
Al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack on pro-militant radio station Andalus.
Relative calm had prevailed for a month in Mogadishu prior to Sunday’s bombing.
A huge explosion in Mogadishu, the Somalian capital. Local media said that the blast was caused by a car loaded with explosives. No more information about who is responsible. #Somalia #Mogadishu #MogadishuCity #Blast #Explosion #Blast #CarBomb #Explosives https://t.co/XqCV7L5bTg
— karim gasmi (@maitregasmi) September 2, 2018
Al-Shabab campaign
Al-Shabab was the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa last year, killing more than 4,200 people, according to the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
The group often attacks the high-profile areas of Mogadishu, including hotels, military checkpoints and areas near the presidential palace.
Al-Shabab vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against it.
US President Donald Trump also approved expanded operations, including airstrikes, against al-Shabab.
Last month, the US military reported that it killed eight Islamist extremists in an airstrike on a rebel command and logistics camp in the country’s south.
Latest Stories
-
After dating him for three years, I proposed to my husband
2 mins -
Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur tackles plastic pollution through artistic exploration
40 mins -
Hundreds turn out for Luv FM/Telecel Fitness Walk in Kumasi
43 mins -
Ghana Post launches Asantehene Commemorative Stamp
46 mins -
Police fire tear gas to disperse Benin wage protest
55 mins -
Airline keeps mistaking 101-year-old woman for baby
59 mins -
Harvey Weinstein hospitalised after conviction overturned
1 hour -
Anis Hafar: Learning how to avoid wars
1 hour -
Private legal practitioner wins Akan NPP parliamentary candidate poll
1 hour -
American-Israeli hostage appears in Hamas video for first time
2 hours -
Samson’s Take: Arrogance of Power, Shameful Policing
8 hours -
Burnley score late to draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford
11 hours -
Bayer Leverkusen extend unbeaten run to 46 games after draw with Stuttgart
11 hours -
Chelsea come from two goals down to draw against Aston Villa
11 hours -
Andre Ayew scores in Le Havre’s 3-3 draw with PSG
11 hours