More than 20 confirmed dead in Al-Shabaab's devastating attack on army base near Mogadishu

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More than 20 confirmed dead in Al-Shabaab's devastating attack on army base near Mogadishu

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – A massive suicide car bomb struck a heavily fortified army base in the Ceelasha Biyaha neighborhood, situated on the road between Mogadishu and Afgoye on Saturday.

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People seen on site of suicide car bombing in Ceelasha Biyaha. The Saturday morning attack killed more than 20, it has been confirmed.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – A massive suicide car bomb struck a heavily fortified army base in the Ceelasha Biyaha neighborhood, situated on the road between Mogadishu and Afgoye on Saturday.

The death toll, as reported by both officials and eyewitnesses, has continued to rise, with more than 20 confirmed fatalities, including the commander of the police-military force, a unit trained by the United Arab Emirates, stationed at the targeted base.

Police commander Ahmed Kheire was among those who tragically lost their lives in the attack.

Describing the horrifying scene, Abdi Mohamed, one of the first responders, stated, "The blast was huge. The buildings near the base were destroyed. The casualties include civilians.”

Eyewitnesses, who requested anonymity, detailed how the car bomb, driven by a suicide bomber, struck the camp’s gate shortly after morning prayers at 5:00am, leading to a massive explosion that caused significant damage. In the aftermath, military vehicles were left charred, and the landscape was marred by shattered buildings.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, indicating that their target was the army base housing the police-military unit.

Following the attack, the roads were closed, and locals reported security forces conducting intrusive measures, particularly with the youth residing in the Ceelasha Biyaha neighborhood.

This incident adds to a recent deterioration in security within Mogadishu and its neighboring areas.

Earlier in the week, a suicide bombing attack claimed the life of Somali Cable TV journalist Abdifatah Moalim Nur (Qeys), and unidentified gunmen shot dead a former district commissioner.