Six killed in Mogadishu explosion as Turkey condemns attacks on SNA bases
MOGADISHU, Somalia – At least six people were killed Saturday in Mogadishu, police confirmed after an explosion at a busy restaurant in the Shangaani district of the capital in the latest deadly attack suspected to have been carried out by al-Shabaab militants.
Police said several other people were critically injured and have since been rushed to various hospitals for treatment amid ongoing negotiations in Mogadishu as the country strives to scale down the political crisis in Somalia.
Eyewitnesses told Axadlethat bombers entered a tea shop in Mogadishu, detonating explosives attached to his waist. It is not clear who the attackers were targeting, but al-Shabaab militants are known to attack even innocent civilians.
The promising lives of the four youths and a child were interrupted in a suicide bombing in Mogadishu during the attack and became a symbol of Somalia’s countless heartaches. Police have since taken control of the site as the search for terrorists continues.
Incidentally, the attack came hours after al-Shabaab militants attacked the Somali National Army [SNA] bases in Barire and Aw-dheegle in Lower Shabelle, leading to powerful clashes. Although the militants took control of Barire, they lost in Aw-dheegle and Lafole.
Turkey, one of Somalia’s international partners, condemned Saturday’s attack, adding that it will continue to stand with Somalia in this difficult moment. Ankara said its commitment to the war on terror is immeasurable.
“We are saddened to receive the news that many soldiers and civilians lost their lives in Somalia today (April 3) in the terrorist attacks against Somali National Army troops and innocent civilians,” the statement read.
“We strongly condemn these heinous terrorist attacks and offer our sincere condolences to the friendly and fraternal government and people of Somalia. We wish Allah’s mercy on those who lost their lives in the attacks and a speedy recovery to the wounded,” it said.
“Turkey will continue to stand by the government and the people of Somalia in their fight against terrorism.”
AXADLETM
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