Somalia: Suspected Al-Shabaab attack outside Mogadishu March 1

Event

A suicide car bomb attack was carried out by suspected Al-Shabaab militants at a security checkpoint, located approximately 15 km (9 mi) from the capital Mogadishu, on Thursday, March 1. According to local security sources the blast has caused casualties but further details are not yet available. 

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent in 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

Individuals in Mogadishu are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout Somalia are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.