Somalia: Two bombings reported in Mogadishu an Afgoye on August 5

Event

On Sunday, August 5, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a suicide car bomb attack on a military base in Afgoye, located 25 km (15 mi) west of Mogadishu. At least three soldiers were killed at ten more injured in the blast. The attack reportedly took place before President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was scheduled to visit Afgoye.

In a separate incident, at least three people were killed, and several more injured, when a car bomb detonated in Mogadishu on Sunday. According to reports, the blast was reported in front of a restaurant on Maka al Mukaram street. No group has claimed responsibility, although Al-Shabaab is highly suspected.

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.