Six killed in Mogadishu blast as Turkey condemns raid on SNA bases

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least six people were killed on Saturday in Mogadishu, police confirmed, following an explosion at a busy restaurant at Shangaani district in the capital, in the latest deadly attack suspected to have been waged by Al-Shabaab militants.

Police said several other people were critically injured and have since been rushed to various hospitals for treatment amid the ongoing pre-election talks in Mogadishu, as the country strives to deescalate the political crisis in Somalia.

Eyewitnesses told Garowe Online that the bomber walked into a tea shop in Mogadishu, detonated explosives strapped to his waist. It's not clear who the attackers were targeting but Al-Shabaab militants are known to attack even innocent civilians.

The promising lives of four youths and a child cut short in a suicide bombing in Mogadishu during the attack, becoming a symbol of Somalia’s innumerable heartache. Police have since taken control of the scene, as the search for terrorists continues.

Incidentally, the attack came hours after Al-Shabaab militants waged attacks against the Somali National Army [SNA] bases in Barire and Aw-dheegle in Lower Shabelle, leading to heavy clashes. Although the militants took control of Barire, they lost in Aw-dheegle and Lafole.

Turkey, one of the international partners of Somalia, condemned the Saturday attacks, adding that it will continue to stand with Somalia during this difficult moment. Ankara said its commitment towards the war on terror is immeasurable.

"We are saddened to receive the news that many soldiers and civilians lost their lives in Somalia today (3rd April) in the terrorist attacks targeting the Somali National Army troops and innocent civilians," read the statement.

"We strongly condemn these heinous terrorist attacks and offer our sincere condolences to the friendly and brotherly Government and people of Somalia. We wish Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attacks and speedy recovery to the wounded," it said.

"Turkey will continue with determination to stand by the government and people of Somalia in their fight against terrorism."

GAROWE ONLINE