Somalia’s president after attacks: “We are at war with Al-Shabaab”

Two attacks, at least 100 fatalities, hundreds injured – and again the terrorist militia Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for the attack. Somali President Mohamud is concerned and combative at the same time.

People are evacuating from the sites of the attack, large clouds of smoke can be seen in the sky: two car bombs exploded near the Ministry of Education in the Somali capital Mogadishu. It is now clear that the number of victims is large. The death toll so far is 100, said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. About 300 people were injured. So the numbers continue to rise.

Two explosive devices exploded

Apparently, a first explosive device already caused great damage. As rescuers rushed to the scene to help injured people, the second bomb exploded. An ambulance was also completely destroyed.

There are many market stalls around the Ministry of Education. Women sell fruit and vegetables here. An eyewitness describes his experiences to the AFP news agency. Ahmed Abukar explains: “I was at the scene of the attack when the first explosive device exploded. I just ran. I saw a lot of dead people – I can’t say exactly how many.”

Hospitals are completely overwhelmed

The hospitals in Mogadishu are completely overwhelmed. There had already been a serious attack very close to the explosions. Hundreds of people died then. Somalia’s president says people in Mogadishu have experienced terrible terror time and time again.

President Mohamud asked: “Who are the victims? They are Somalis who are still recovering from the attack five years ago. Some have had permanent injuries since then, and many children lost their parents at the time.”

Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for attacks

The terrorist militia Al-Shabaab published a letter claiming responsibility. In it, she explains that the Ministry of Education was chosen as the site of the attack because the staff there are responsible for spreading the knowledge of infidels in Somalia. Schools must be taught strictly according to Islam. The terrorist organization wants to overthrow the Somali government and take power itself. President Mohamud said:

Even as “we are speaking here, we are fighting the Islamists in many regions,” Mohamud continued.

People are taking up arms – against Al-Shabaab

Somali security forces have notched up a number of victories in this battle in recent weeks. They are partly supported by local workers from the villages in southern Somalia. After a long period of terror, the people themselves took up arms to defeat Al-Shabaab.