terrorism
Truck bomb in Somalia: death toll rises to 20
Smoke rises over Beledweyne after the explosion (video still from September 23, 2023). photo
© Uncredited/AP
According to media reports, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamist terrorist militia controls parts of the East African country.
The death toll has risen to 20 after a truck bomb attack in the Somali town of Beledwayne, according to local media. It is assumed that this number will continue to increase significantly, reported the local news portal Garowe Online, citing witness statements. The explosion in the capital of the central province of Hiran caused “massive destruction,” it said.
The bomb detonated yesterday near a checkpoint not far from the city center. The target of the attack was initially unknown. The Islamist terrorist militia Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, Garowe Online reported.
Al-Shabaab has held parts of the East African country firmly in its hands for years. The militia still controls large areas, particularly in the south. However, Al-Shabaab has been coming under increasing pressure for months after the army launched an offensive against the terrorists.