Port official survives morning IED explosion in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A top official working in the Mogadishu Port as the General Manager survived a morning Improvised Explosive Device attack in the capital of Somalia, officials said, in an explosion which comes almost 8 hours after a suicide blast within the seaside city.

Ahmed Washington, who works as the Port's manager, is said to have narrowly escaped unharmed from the scene of the attack, which reportedly targeted him due to his influence in the Port, which has for a long time faced tussle from Al-Shabaab militants.

The attack near Miranayo area left two of his aides dead, officials added. The port officer was headed to the workplace. He is in charge of the supervision of activities within the port, which is among the highest income earner for the country, is always done throughout the day regardless of the time.

In recent weeks, Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants have been fighting to control the port after losing grip of the capital Mogadishu in 2011 following an operation spearheaded by the African Union Mission Forces and the Somali National Army [SNA].

According to former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the group now controls sections of the port where they are extorting members of the public and businessmen and it's from this revenue that use to sustain their activities both within Somalia and across the borders.

Similar claims were expressed by Djibouti President Omar Guelleh, who said that the group's revenue bases have increased in recent months. Businessmen had also complained of harsh taxes imposed by the Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu and across the country.

The explosion comes hrs after a suicide bomber killed at least 10 in Somalia's capital on Friday evening. The attack, which has since been claimed by the Al-Shabaab, took place near the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp, just near the busy Mogadishu Airport.

GAROWE ONLINE