Somalia: Suicide bomber targets soldiers near Mogadishu May 22

Event

A Somali military convoy traveling through Afgoye - located approximately 30 km (20 mi) northwest of the capital Mogadishu - was attacked by a suicide car bomber on Tuesday, May 22. The bomber drove the suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) into the convoy near the Bar Ismail checkpoint, killing an unconfirmed number of soldiers. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and said that 12 soldiers were killed.

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.