Twin explosions kill at least 11 in Mogadishu, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility
At least 11 people were killed in Mogadishu Monday in two separate bomb explosions with 18 others sustaining injuries.
A mid-morning explosion killed ten people when a VBIED laden vehicle rammed into a pick up traffic along Makka Al Mukarama road in what initial reports had singled out Wehliye hotel as the target.
Multiple reports by our correspondents and corroborated by sources indicated the pick-up double cabin vehicle could have been the target. Pictures from the scene also show one side of the vehicle destroyed but still on the road. The explosives laden vehicle was completely destroyed.
Our security correspondent reports the occupants of the pick-up vehicle still remain unknown. At least five saloon cars were destroyed as some which were on parking were shoved into the middle of the road by the impact of the explosion.
Several shops along the road were also destroyed even as police and intelligence officials try to piece information on the incident. Mogadishu local government spokesman Abdifitah Halane told reporters earlier five people had been killed and over ten others injured.
Our correspondent says the numbers had increase as some succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
Meanwhile an early morning Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) explosion near the military barracks in Mogadishu claimed one life and injured three others. The truck rammed into Sweets Factory in Wadajir district which is located opposite the barracks. The suicide bomber died and three passersby were injured.
Today’s explosions happened barely a day after Universal TV journalists Harmid Karzay survived an explosion after an explosive device fitted on his car blew up Sunday.
Prime Minister Hassan Khaire has condemned the attack and vowed justice for the perpetrators of the attacks. “We will bring to book those blood thirsty people and we will continue to ensure the stability and security of our country,” the PM said in a statement.
The militant group Al-Shabaab has since claimed responsibility for the attacks.