Deadly landmine blast kills at least 7 civilians near Ceeldheer in central Somalia
CEELDHEER, Somalia — At least seven civilians were killed and several others were wounded Sunday when a vehicle traveling in a convoy struck a landmine on the outskirts of Ceeldheer district in central Somalia’s Galgaduud region, local officials said.
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Authorities said the injured were evacuated to Mogadishu for treatment. Details on the number of wounded and the extent of their injuries were not immediately available.
Security officials blamed the attack on the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has a long record of laying improvised explosive devices on roads used by government forces and civilian traffic in central and southern Somalia. There was no immediate claim of responsibility from the al-Qaida-linked group.
“These attacks are part of Al-Shabaab’s ongoing efforts to intimidate civilians and disrupt government movements in the central regions,” a local official said. Residents were urged to exercise extreme caution on regional roads amid the persistent risk posed by roadside mines.
The blast underscores the continuing threat to civilians in Galgaduud, where insurgents have sought to exploit remote stretches of roadway to ambush security convoys and spread fear among communities. Roadside bombs remain among the deadliest tactics used by Al-Shabaab, often detonating without warning and inflicting casualties far from active front lines.
Ceeldheer, a strategic district on key supply routes linking parts of central Somalia, has seen sporadic attacks as federal forces and allied local fighters work to secure territory and reopen corridors to trade and humanitarian access. Sunday’s explosion highlights the challenge of protecting civilian movement even as authorities attempt to expand control and stabilize the region.
Officials did not immediately share further details about the convoy’s destination or whether security forces were among those traveling in it. Images and independent accounts from the scene were not available in the immediate aftermath.
Local authorities said they are assessing the blast site and warned that additional mines may be present on secondary routes surrounding the district. Travelers were advised to follow official guidance and avoid areas flagged by security forces.
What we know
- At least seven civilians were killed when a vehicle in a convoy struck a landmine near Ceeldheer in the Galgaduud region.
- Several others were wounded and evacuated to Mogadishu for medical care.
- Security officials blamed Al-Shabaab; the group has not claimed responsibility.
- Authorities warned residents to remain vigilant due to the risk of roadside mines.
Somalia’s security forces continue to conduct operations aimed at disrupting explosives networks and clearing key roads, but officials say the insurgents’ use of hidden devices makes complete prevention difficult. The attack near Ceeldheer will likely intensify calls for additional mine-clearing resources and closer coordination with communities to report suspicious activity along frequently used routes.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
