By Mohammed Dhaysane
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA): At least 10 people, including five security officers, were killed Wednesday when a suicide car blast targeted a security convoy in Somalia’s capital, according to officials.
The attack in Mogadishu has been claimed by al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked terror group that often carries out deadly attacks in the Horn of Africa country.
“We know that at least 10 people were killed, including five soldiers in the bomb explosion” along with several injuries, Ali Yare Ali, deputy governor for security and politics of the Banadir regional administration, told journalists.
He added that an investigation is underway.
Abdifatah Hassan, a police officer in Mogadishu, told Anadolu Agency that the attack occurred near one of the entrances to Aden Adde International Airport, adding to earlier reports that put it along 21 October Road in the Waberi neighborhood.
He said the attack devastated nearby buildings.
Al-Shabaab was also behind a 2017 truck bomb attack in Mogadishu that took 600 lives — the worst terror attack in the country’s history.
The UN condemned the terrorist attack in a tweet and denied any UN personnel were in the convoy.
“@UN in #Somalia condemns the suicide attack that took place earlier today in #Mogadishu, expresses its condolences to the families of its #victims, and wishes a speedy recovery for those who were injured.”
“Contrary to some initial reports, there were no @UN personnel or contractors in the convoy targeted in the suicide attack earlier today in #Mogadishu.”
Turkiye condemned the attack and extended condolences to the country and its people.
“We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack and extend our condolences to the friendly and brotherly people and Government of Somalia. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Turkiye will continue to stand by Somalia in its fight against terrorism,” it added.
*Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara contributed to the story
Additional information by The Muslim News
[Photo: A view of damage at the scene after a suicide car blast by Al-Shabaab targeted a security convoy in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 12, 2022.
Photographer: Sadak Mohamed/AA]
