Somalia identifies former lawmaker as ‘suicide bomber’

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Former Member of Parliament Salah Nur Ismail (Badbado) was one of two suicide bombers who killed at least 13 people near Mogadishu’s seaside airport, Somali authorities have revealed on Wednesday.

Badabado joined Somali militant group, Al Shabaab in 2010. Ever since, he has kept low profile among Al Shabaab ranks.  

Al Shabaab said in an audio recording broadcast Wednesday that the suicide car bomber served in the national assembly between 2000 and 2009. 

Badbado, 57 claimed that he was full filing essential religious duty: “I am fighting against the enemy of Islam,” he was heard as saying.  

The former MP was selected to the parliament from Transitional National Government (TNG) in 2000 through Sharif Sheikh Ahmed government in 2010. 

On Tuesday, Al Shabaab suicide bombers blew themselves at entrance to Mogadishu airport, just some meters away from the African Union headquarters.  

He is said to be from northern Sanaag region.

GAROWEONLINE