Somalia: Car Bomb Targets Army Checkpoint in Somali Capital, Injuring Seven Soldiers

Published: September 13, 2023
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Car Bomb Targets Army Checkpoint in Somali Capital, Injuring Seven Soldiers

by Abdirizak Shino
Horseed Media

Mogadishu, Somalia – A car bomb attack rocked the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Wednesday, leaving at least seven soldiers injured, according to a local official. The terrorist group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the blast, as security forces continue to grapple with persistent threats in the region.

The attack targeted a security checkpoint in the Deyniile neighborhood of Mogadishu, where security personnel were stationed. Ali Hassan, a security official in the Hodan district of Mogadishu, provided details of the incident. “A car full of explosives targeted our security forces’ checkpoint today. Seven people were wounded in the explosion and were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment,” Hassan told reporters.

The terrorist group al-Shabaab swiftly claimed responsibility for the bombing, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by Somalia. Al-Shabaab.

In the midst of this attack, the Somali Defense Ministry announced that the army had carried out an operation in the southwestern Bay region of the country, targeting senior leaders within the ranks of al-Shabaab. In an official statement, the ministry revealed that the operation had resulted in the “elimination” of the head of finance for the Bay region, along with other high-ranking al-Shabaab terrorists.

Somalia, has faced protracted insecurity for many years, with the primary threats stemming from extremist groups such as al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror organizations. These groups have continued to launch attacks and sow discord in the nation, challenging the efforts of the Somali government to establish lasting peace and security.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who secured a second term in office last year, has taken a resolute stance against al-Shabaab, declaring an “all-out war” on the terrorist organization. Despite these efforts, attacks like the recent car bomb incident serve as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Somalia and the ongoing efforts required to combat terrorism and restore stability to the nation.