MOGADISHU: On Monday, the mayor of Buloburde reported that a roadside bombing, attributed to the jihadist group Al-Shabab, resulted in the death of eight members of an extended family in central Somalia. The tragic incident took place late Sunday near a village located approximately 220 kilometers (136 miles) north of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The mayor, Sadam Abdi Idow, expressed his condolences to the affected family and condemned the actions of Al-Shabab. He stated that the terrorists planted the mine following their defeat in ongoing military operations in the region, highlighting their complete disregard for civilian lives.
Witnesses at the scene recounted the devastating aftermath of the blast, with seven victims succumbing to their injuries immediately, while another individual passed away later. Abdikarin Hassan from Buloburde emphasized the extent of the tragedy, explaining that three victims were from one family, while the remaining casualties belonged to another family that was closely related.
Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has been engaged in a violent insurgency since 2007, aiming to overthrow the internationally supported government in Mogadishu. Although they were forced out of the capital in 2011, the group continues to pose a significant threat. Despite a major offensive launched last August by pro-government forces, with the support of African Union troops and US airstrikes, Al-Shabab remains a deadly force in the region.
Military sources confirmed that the attack near Buloburde followed a sustained firefight in the area. Ahmed Ali, a Somali military commander, described the armed confrontation that led to the defeat of the terrorists. In retaliation, they targeted civilians by planting a landmine along the main road frequently used by local residents.
