MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a recent incident, Somalia’s capital Mogadishu was targeted by Al-Shabaab, a militant group that still holds control over large areas in rural central and southern Somalia.
The attack took place as the country has launched nationwide operations against the group. Reports state that the militants used a suicide bomber to kill five civilians at a busy restaurant, leaving six others critically injured.
The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment in the capital. This attack marks the first one in several months, despite increased security measures.
Somalia’s police spokesperson, Sadik Aden Ali Doodishe, confirmed the attack and mentioned that it was carried out by a suicide bomber. Officials have observed that the militants have been utilizing suicide bombers to target strategic towns in the country.
The spokesperson stated, “A man wearing an explosive belt entered the restaurant and blew himself up. As of now, we can confirm that five people were killed.”
Eyewitnesses reported multiple civilian casualties and a heavy police presence at the bombing site near the presidential palace, which has been a consistent target for the militants.
Just a few days ago, the group executed a twin-car blast in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmadug, as retaliatory attacks against security forces.
However, despite these ongoing attacks, government forces, aided by the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], have successfully liberated several strategic towns and weakened the militants.
