Somalia: Six people killed in bombings in Afgoye and Mogadishu /update 1

Event

At least six people were killed and another 13 were wounded in two bombings that took place in Afgoye and Mogadishu the evening (local time) of Sunday, August 5. A suicide vehicle-born improvised explosive device (SVIBED) detonated near a Somali military base in Afgoye (located approximately 25 km [15 mi] northwest of Mogadishu), killing two soldiers and wounding four others. Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Later on August 5, another VBIED exploded outside of the Bar Itaia Restaurant on the Maka Al-Mukarama Road in Mogadishu. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Monday, August 6. At least four people were kill and another nine wounded in the blast.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.