Deadly Blast Rocks Mogadishu Amid Foiled Al-Shabaab Plot in Western Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A devastating attack on a bustling teashop in Somalia’s capital claimed the lives of seven people on Thursday. Eyewitnesses recounted the dreadful moment a suicide bomber unleashed destruction, targeting an establishment popular with both locals and police.
Perched near the General Kaahiye Police Academy, the shop became the grim scene where seven individuals perished instantaneously. The blast left another six gravely injured, according to the police’s account.
As the explosion ripped through the area around 3:27 PM, responsibility for the attack remained unclaimed. These horrific incidents are often associated with Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for their violent campaigns against high-profile figures.
Among the fallen was Sugaal Abdulle Omar, a cherished poet, playwright, and singer, whose death has stirred nationwide mourning and condolence messages.
This tragic event marks the first assault attributed to alleged Al-Shabaab operatives in Mogadishu in several months. Medical teams swiftly transported the injured to various city hospitals for urgent care, officials reported.
In a related turn of events, vigilance paid off for security personnel in Hudur district, nestled in the southwestern Bakool region. Acting on intelligence, the Somali National Army thwarted a potential catastrophe by intercepting an explosive-laden vehicle en route to Hudur town.
“Informed by intel about the terrorist in the Lukugooraw area, roughly 20 km from Hudur, we intercepted and neutralized the threat from a militia plotting to wreak havoc with an explosive vehicle,” an SNA statement detailed.
The military affirmed the vehicle, aimed at the town center, could have inflicted severe casualties. For over two years, the Somali National Army has been unwavering in its battle against Al-Shabaab, achieving significant success in shrinking their stronghold.
Reported by AXADLETM
