At least eight people, mostly civilians, were killed in a blast today targeting a convoy carrying Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud near the El-Gaabta intersection in the Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu.
The attack hit one of the president’s vehicles en route to the Mogadishu airport, as the president was on a trip to the frontlines of the fighting in the Middle Shabelle region.
Most of the injured civilians were in a building near the road, which collapsed when the blast occurred, according to images posted on social media.
After the blast, National Security Advisor Hussein Moallim confirmed that the president was safe and continued his journey.
“The President of the Republic is safe and is on a tour to observe the blessed operations being carried out by the CXD in the regions of the country, receiving full support from the people of those regions. This nation cannot be intimidated by lies and exaggerated lies,” said advisor Hussein Moalim.
The blast was heard most of the time in Mogadishu. Security officials did not provide details of the explosion, although they briefly detained journalists reporting from the scene.
The Al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the attack.
