MOGADISHU: In a tragic incident, a roadside bombing attributed to the Al-Shabaab militant group resulted in the deaths of eight members of an extended family in central Somalia, according to the local mayor on Monday.
The blast occurred late Sunday near a village outside Buloburde, located approximately 220 kilometers (136 miles) north of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Sadam Abdi Idow, the mayor of Buloburde, confirmed that the victims were innocent civilians, including a woman. He condemned Al-Shabaab for planting the mine following their defeat in ongoing military operations in the region, emphasizing the group’s disregard for civilian lives.
Eyewitnesses reported that seven individuals were killed at the scene, while another victim succumbed to injuries later. The devastating incident affected two related families, with three victims belonging to one family and the rest from the other.
Violent Insurgency in Somalia
Al-Shabaab has been engaged in a violent insurgency since 2007, seeking to overthrow the foreign-backed government in Mogadishu. Despite being driven out of the capital in 2011, the group remains a potent threat. Despite a major offensive launched last August by pro-government forces, supported by African Union troops and US airstrikes, Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks.
The attack near Buloburde followed a fierce firefight in the region, as stated by military sources. Somali military commander Ahmed Ali explained that the terrorists were defeated during the armed confrontation, leading them to retaliate against civilians by planting a landmine along a main road frequently used by non-combatants.
