Car Bombing at Somalia Shopping Mall Claims Two Lives: Police Reports

By Abdi Sheikh

MOGADISHU – A car bomb exploded at a shopping mall in Somalia’s capital on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring four others. The attack is believed to have been carried out by the Islamist group al Shabaab, according to police reports.

The explosion took place in the Hamarweyne district of Mogadishu, a bustling area filled with shops and restaurants. Police officer Mohamed Hussein reported, “So far, we know two civilians died and four others were injured. It was a car bomb that exploded in front of a shopping mall.” He also indicated that the casualty count may rise.

Witnesses at the scene observed one deceased person, alongside several burned vehicles and significant damage to a nearby restaurant.

Al Shabaab is known for conducting bombings in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia, targeting government and other entities. The group is working to dismantle the Western-supported central government and impose its interpretation of sharia law.

Additionally, al Shabaab has been responsible for attacks beyond Somalia, particularly in Kenya, as part of its aim to compel the withdrawal of Kenyan troops who contribute to an African peacekeeping force assisting the central government.

In a recent incident in Kenya, a suicide bombing and gun assault at an office and hotel complex in Nairobi last month resulted in 21 fatalities.