Police officials in Somalia have confirmed that an explosion occurred in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Monday.
So far officials say at least seven people have died in what is said to be a car bomb explosion.
Senior police official Captain Mohamed Hussein also told the media at least nine people were also injured in the blast.
He said the car full of explosives was parked near a mall close to local government offices.
Reuters quotes Hussein as saying that “Several dead people were removed from a wrecked building at the blast scene. So far death toll is 11 civilians and 10 others injured”.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the explosion. Such attacks are however carried out often by Somalia’s militant group al-Shabaab.
Another terrible day in Somalia after horrendous explosion targeted #MogadishuMall took lives of at least 8 innocent civilians & destroyed buildings. We strongly condemn the horrific attack, Our prayers/condolences are w fallen victims. wishing all those injured a speedy recovery
— WITNESS SOMALIA (@WitnessSomalia) February 4, 2019
The group last month launched a deadly attack in Kenya killing 21 people at a hotel complex in the capital Nairobi.
Al-Shabab is fighting to overthrow the UN-backed government in Somalia considered very week. The group impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Collnel Abdinur Ahmed Kadiye brother of Somalia’s Deputy Police Commissioner Said Ahmed Kadiya is among the people killed today’s explosion outside Mogadishu Bussiness Mall . A journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Biibaaye is injured . We hope speedy recovery of all injuries #Somalia . pic.twitter.com/5o5303qqk0
— Mohamed Moalimuu (@MOALIMUU) February 4, 2019
But it has lost control of many towns and cities to a 22,000-strong African Union force supporting the government.
Al-shabab is linked to al-Qaeda and still has a strong presence in many rural areas in Somalia.
Source: Africafeeds.com
