Seven die in Mogadishu blast as army foils Al-Shabaab in western Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least seven people were killed on Thursday afternoon in Mogadishu, the Somalia capital, police said, confirming that a suicide bomber detonated himself, causing massive damage to a popular teashop which is frequented by locals and police officers.

The explosion hit the shop near General Kaahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Witnesses said. Seven people died on the spot while six others were critically wounded, police said in a statement.

The suicide bomber detonated himself at around 3:27 pm local time, causing massive damage. No group has claimed responsibility but the Al-Shabab militants are synonymous with such attacks when targeting high-profile individuals.

According to reports, a top poet, playwright, and singer Sugaal Abdulle Omar was among at least seven killed in the Mogadishu suicide bombing. The police confirmed the unfortunate death as messages of condolences trickled from across the country.

It is the first time the attack has been initiated by perceived Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu in as many months. The injured persons have been admitted to various hospitals across Mogadishu, officials said.

Elsewhere, security forces in the Hudur district in the Bakool region in southwestern Somalia foiled a massive terrorist attack Thursday morning. The Somali National Army (SNA) acting on intelligence, blocked a vehicle loaded with explosives while heading to Hudur town.

“The army received the information of the terrorist enemy in Lukugooraw area, which is about 20 km from the Hudur district, and destroyed the militia who intended to attack the people of the city with an explosive vehicle they were driving,” a statement from SNA read in part.

The military said the vehicle was set to blow up in the centre of town causing huge loss of lives. The Somali National Army has put up a spirited fight against the Al-Shabaab, and it is projected that the group has significantly lost ground in the last two years.

GAROWE ONLINE