Al-Shabaab claims deadly bomb attack in Somalia's capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants on Saturday night targeted a senior military official in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, in the latest wave of violence targeting government officials and members of the military, who are essential in security operations.

Reports indicate that it took place around Afisyooni, where Somali leaders are due to convene a meeting on the pre-election crisis this week. This is the second attack within the area, an indication that the militants are keen to paralyze talks.

According to the police, one person died and three others were seriously hurt, including Lt. Col. Omar Abdirahman, a senior Somali military officer who sustained serious injuries in a bomb blast that struck his vehicle in Mogadishu yesterday night

A police officer confirmed to Garowe Online that the blast resulted from a landmine that targeted a military, Colonel Omar Abdirahman, who sustained wounds in the attack. It's not unusual for the militants to target military officers in the country.

The Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility but did not immediately reveal why the military officer was targeted. But usually, members of the security forces have been key targets of the Al-Shabaab given the huge role they play in the restoration of security in the country.

Al-Shabaab controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia, but the group has considerably lost grip in certain strategic towns within the country given multiple operations conducted by members of the security forces.

Mogadishu has lately been a key target for the militants, raising concerns about the future of the coastal city. Politicians have gathered in the country for a series of political events which will be going on for the better part of this week.

GAROWE ONLINE