Somalia: Death toll in suicide bombing in Mogadishu climbs to five

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The death toll from a deadly suicide attack in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu on Wednesday morning climbed to 5, authorities said, adding that 15 were injured, Garowe Online reports.

The Somalia-based al-Qaeda affiliated group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, which becomes the second bombing in the seaside city in less than two weeks period.

Capt. Hussein Ali, a senior police officer, said a bomber rammed his explosive-filled vehicle into the main security checkpoint close to the Parliament and Security Ministry HQs in Sayidka area during rush-hour.

The director of the finance department at the ministry of women and human rights of the Federal Government of Somalia was confirmed to be among those lost their lives in the bombing.

It was not clear how the bomber gained access to the city’s green zone as all cars heading to the presidential palace are required to pass through several checkpoints manning by the Somali police.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple Somalia's fragile government since 2007. The government is backed by a 20,000-strong African Union force - AMISOM - and the UN.

Just 12 days ago, at least 85 people were killed and over 150 others wounded in a suicide car bomb blast targeting Turkish convoy at the busy Ex-control junction in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

On 14th October 2017, hundreds of people were killed in a truck bombing at K-5 junction in Mogadishu downtown, the deadliest single attack in the country's history.

The current Government was accused of failing its strategy towards national security and eradicating terrorism. Since taking office in 2017, President Farmajo made four changes to military and security top brass.

GAROWE ONLINE