Eight members of the same family tragically lost their lives in a blast caused by a homemade bomb on a road in central Somalia, according to a local official. The incident occurred on Sunday evening near Buloburde, a village located 220 km north of the capital Mogadishu. The local mayor, Sadam Abdi Idow, attributed the explosion to the Al-Shabab rebels, condemning their actions as an act of terror against civilians.
Mayor Idow stated that the terrorists planted the mine following their defeat in ongoing military operations in the region. He further emphasised their lack of regard for innocent lives. Al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, have been engaged in a battle against the internationally-supported Somali federal government for over 15 years in the Horn of Africa.
In response to the ongoing threat, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has declared a “total war” against the Shabab rebels. In September of the previous year, a military offensive was launched, with significant assistance from US airstrikes. However, despite these efforts, the rebels continue to carry out violent retaliatory attacks, particularly targeting populated areas and military installations within Somalia.