11 killed after suicide bomber targets army recruitment centre in Mogadishu
The explosion tore through a crowd of hopeful recruits gathered at the Damaanyo military base, where a mass registration exercise was underway for volunteers seeking to join the Somali National Army (SNA).
At least 11 people are feared dead and 20 others left injured after a suicide bombing at a military recruitment centre in the Damaanyo area of Mogadishu, local media reported on Sunday in what appears to be a targeted attack on young Somalis seeking to join the country’s armed forces.
The explosion, which occurred early on Sunday morning, tore through a crowd of hopeful recruits gathered at the Damaanyo military base, where a mass registration exercise was underway for volunteers seeking to join the Somali National Army (SNA).
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According to initial reports, the bomber, who was reportedly wearing an explosive vest, managed to infiltrate the crowd before detonating the device, causing carnage at the heart of the recruitment site.
Moments after the explosion, at least two motorised rickshaws commonly known as bajaaj were seen ferrying the wounded to nearby hospitals as emergency responders arrived on the scene.
The Somali government confirmed the incident, indicating that a suicide attack occurred Sunday at 9:20 am local time in front of the Damaayo military base in Mogadishu.
"Security forces are on the scene and have launched an investigation. Casualties have been reported, but details are still being verified," the government said in a statement.
"We urge the public to remain calm and rely only on official government channels for accurate updates. Misinformation and speculation undermine public safety and ongoing response efforts."
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