The governor of the Bay region in Somalia had a near-death experience as he escaped a suicide bombing that took lives of two of his bodyguards and one other person.

Ali Wardhere Dooyow is the governor of the Bay region who was targeted in a suicide bombing that took three lives and injured five others.

The incident took place outside a hotel in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region.

"Ali Wardhere Dooyow, the governor of Bay region, was the target. The governor was not hurt, but two of his guards and one more person have died," Mohamud Adan Ibrahim, a police officer in Baidoa, told Anadolu Agency.

The five injured have been reported to be civilians who were taken to hospitals for treatment, an official reported.

"It was a horrible incident which shocked us, I was sitting in a shop not far away … and I rushed to see what happened,"&nbsp;a witness told AFP news agency. "I saw bodies of people shattered amid the blast."

Al-Qaeda linked armed group, Al-Shabab, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the governor.

The governor of the Bay region in Somalia had a near-death experience as he escaped a suicide bombing that took lives of two of his bodyguards and one other person.

The governor of the Bay region in Somalia had a near-death experience as he escaped a suicide bombing that took lives of two of his bodyguards and one other person. Ali Wardhere Dooyow is the governor of the Bay region who was targeted in a suicide bombing that took three lives and injured five others. The incident took place outside a hotel in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region. "Ali Wardhere Dooyow, the governor of Bay region, was the target. The governor was not hurt, but two of his guards and one more person have died," Mohamud Adan Ibrahim, a police officer in Baidoa, told Anadolu Agency. The five injured have been reported to be civilians who were taken to hospitals for treatment, an official reported. "It was a horrible incident which shocked us, I was sitting in a shop not far away … and I rushed to see what happened," a witness told AFP news agency. "I saw bodies of people shattered amid the blast." Al-Qaeda linked armed group, Al-Shabab, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the governor.

Somalia: Governor of Bay region escapes suicide bombing; 3 dead, 5 injured

20 people have died in Somalia and dozens have been wounded in a car bomb attack in the Somalian capital on Friday. A suicide car bomb targeted a busy restaurant near the port area. According to reports, a three-wheeler rickshaw packed with explosives hit the restaurant during the night.

Somalia: Explosives packed car detonated at a Restaurant

At least 20 people were killed and 30 wounded by a suicide car bomb just outside a restaurant near the port in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu late on Friday, an emergency services official said. 
 
The blast sent plumes of smoke into the sky and triggered gunfire, witnesses and state-owned media reported. 
 
"So far we have carried 20 dead people and 30 injured from the blast scene," Dr. Abdulkadir Aden, founder of AAMIN Ambulance services told Reuters. 
 
The blast occurred at the Luul Yemeni restaurant near the port, witnesses said. 
 
"A speeding car exploded at Luul Yemeni restaurant. I was going to the restaurant but ran back when the blast shook and covered the area with smoke," resident Ahmed Abdullahi, who lives near the site, told Reuters. 
 
Somalia`s state-controlled Radio Mogadishu reported there was also destruction of property and that police had cordoned off the area. 
 
No one claimed responsibility for the blast. 
 
Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out such bombings in Somalia and elsewhere as part of its campaign to topple the Horn of African country`s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

At least 20 people were killed and 30 wounded by a suicide car bomb just outside a restaurant near the port in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu late on Friday, an emergency services official said.

At least 20 people were killed and 30 wounded by a suicide car bomb just outside a restaurant near the port in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu late on Friday, an emergency services official said. The blast sent plumes of smoke into the sky and triggered gunfire, witnesses and state-owned media reported. "So far we have carried 20 dead people and 30 injured from the blast scene," Dr. Abdulkadir Aden, founder of AAMIN Ambulance services told Reuters. The blast occurred at the Luul Yemeni restaurant near the port, witnesses said. "A speeding car exploded at Luul Yemeni restaurant. I was going to the restaurant but ran back when the blast shook and covered the area with smoke," resident Ahmed Abdullahi, who lives near the site, told Reuters. Somalia`s state-controlled Radio Mogadishu reported there was also destruction of property and that police had cordoned off the area. No one claimed responsibility for the blast. Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out such bombings in Somalia and elsewhere as part of its campaign to topple the Horn of African country`s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

At least 20 killed by suicide car bomb in Somalian capital

At least five soldiers were killed and more than a dozen people, mostly civilians, were wounded in violence related to protests over Somalia's delayed election.

On Friday, Somali security forces fired on hundreds of people peacefully demonstrating in Mogadishu over the delayed vote. The capital was, however, calm on Saturday, and streets were open again.

Friday's confrontation followed gunfire overnight near the presidential palace.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is under pressure as the February 8 election date came and went without resolution of issues related to how the vote is conducted in the Horn of Africa nation. Some Somalis are demanding that he step down.

The president has not commented publically since Friday's events.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, on his part, has said he was 'very sorry' about what happened.

An alliance of opposition leaders, along with civil society groups, have objected to the federal election, arguing it leaves them no say in the politics of their own country.

At least five soldiers were killed and more than a dozen people, mostly civilians, were wounded in violence related to protests over Somalia's delayed election. On Friday, Somali security forces fired on hundreds of people peacefully demonstrating in Mogadishu over the delayed vote.

At least five soldiers were killed and more than a dozen people, mostly civilians, were wounded in violence related to protests over Somalia's delayed election. On Friday, Somali security forces fired on hundreds of people peacefully demonstrating in Mogadishu over the delayed vote. The capital was, however, calm on Saturday, and streets were open again. Friday's confrontation followed gunfire overnight near the presidential palace. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is under pressure as the February 8 election date came and went without resolution of issues related to how the vote is conducted in the Horn of Africa nation. Some Somalis are demanding that he step down. The president has not commented publically since Friday's events. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, on his part, has said he was 'very sorry' about what happened. An alliance of opposition leaders, along with civil society groups, have objected to the federal election, arguing it leaves them no say in the politics of their own country.

Five killed in Somalia's election-related violence

Twelve security agents were killed on Sunday by a roadside bomb planted outside a Somali town where political leaders had been meeting to try to resolve a row over a presidential selection process due to be held on Monday.

Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which analysts say is keen on exploiting the deadlock, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Those killed included Abdirashid Abdunur, the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency in Dhusamareb, police officer Mohamed Ahmed said. In all, 12 people from the agency were killed in the attack near the town, police said.

A deal on how to choose a new president on Monday has been elusive so far, threatening to unleash more political turmoil.

Somalia had initially aimed to hold its first direct election in more than three decades but delays in preparations, and the government`s inability to rein in daily attacks by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, meant switching to an indirect vote, with elders picking lawmakers who would choose a president.

However, regional authorities in at least two of Somalia`s five federal states, Puntland and Jubbaland, oppose holding the election for now.

Twelve security agents were killed on Sunday by a roadside bomb planted outside a Somali town where political leaders had been meeting to try to resolve a row over a presidential selection process due to be held on Monday.

Twelve security agents were killed on Sunday by a roadside bomb planted outside a Somali town where political leaders had been meeting to try to resolve a row over a presidential selection process due to be held on Monday. Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which analysts say is keen on exploiting the deadlock, claimed responsibility for the attack. Those killed included Abdirashid Abdunur, the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency in Dhusamareb, police officer Mohamed Ahmed said. In all, 12 people from the agency were killed in the attack near the town, police said. A deal on how to choose a new president on Monday has been elusive so far, threatening to unleash more political turmoil. Somalia had initially aimed to hold its first direct election in more than three decades but delays in preparations, and the government`s inability to rein in daily attacks by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, meant switching to an indirect vote, with elders picking lawmakers who would choose a president. However, regional authorities in at least two of Somalia`s five federal states, Puntland and Jubbaland, oppose holding the election for now.

Bomb kills 12 security agents in Somalia as politicians wrangle over presidency

On Sunday afternoon, a group of terrorists attacked a hotel in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu. This terrorist group attempted a car bomb followed by an attack on one of the popular hotels in the city.

A car bombing was followed by continuous and heavy gunfire at the entrance of the popular Hotel Afrik. An exchange of gunfire took place between al Shabaab militants and security forces of the hotel for some time which led to deaths of nine people and several others injured.

"The operation is over now. Nine people including four attackers died and over 10 civilians were injured," Sadik Ali told local reporters.

In these attacks, former military general Mohamed Nur Galal was also killed. "I condemn the barbaric attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said. "General Mohamed Nur Galal will be remembered for his over 50 year role in defending the country."

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-and-gunfire-rock-somalias-capital-shebab-jihadist-group-claims-responsibility-360473">&nbsp;Blast and gunfire rock Somalia's capital; Shebab jihadist group claims responsibility</a>

This attack was claimed by the jihadist group al Shabaab, which has carried out similar acts of violence in the area in the recent past too.

The attack has come at a time when the country is struggling to conduct elections which have been delayed since December 2020 as the opposition alleged the president was manipulating the electoral board with this allies to rig the election results.

Nearly 700 US military personnel had also been withdrawn from the area in the last month, after which such acts of violence ad terrorism have increased. The US troops in the area had been helping the Somali special forces (Danaab) in dealing with the al Shabaab militants.

The US troops helped the Somali special forces by providing them resources such as air support and medical evacuations.

However, as the former US President, Donald Trump, ordered a pullout of the US troops from the area, the local authorities had feared an increase in such activities by the jihadist groups.

On Sunday afternoon, a group of terrorists attacked a hotel in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu. This terrorist group attempted a car bomb followed by an attack on one of the popular hotels in the city.

On Sunday afternoon, a group of terrorists attacked a hotel in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu. This terrorist group attempted a car bomb followed by an attack on one of the popular hotels in the city. A car bombing was followed by continuous and heavy gunfire at the entrance of the popular Hotel Afrik. An exchange of gunfire took place between al Shabaab militants and security forces of the hotel for some time which led to deaths of nine people and several others injured. "The operation is over now. Nine people including four attackers died and over 10 civilians were injured," Sadik Ali told local reporters. In these attacks, former military general Mohamed Nur Galal was also killed. "I condemn the barbaric attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said. "General Mohamed Nur Galal will be remembered for his over 50 year role in defending the country." Also read| Blast and gunfire rock Somalia's capital; Shebab jihadist group claims responsibility This attack was claimed by the jihadist group al Shabaab, which has carried out similar acts of violence in the area in the recent past too. The attack has come at a time when the country is struggling to conduct elections which have been delayed since December 2020 as the opposition alleged the president was manipulating the electoral board with this allies to rig the election results. Nearly 700 US military personnel had also been withdrawn from the area in the last month, after which such acts of violence ad terrorism have increased. The US troops in the area had been helping the Somali special forces (Danaab) in dealing with the al Shabaab militants. The US troops helped the Somali special forces by providing them resources such as air support and medical evacuations. However, as the former US President, Donald Trump, ordered a pullout of the US troops from the area, the local authorities had feared an increase in such activities by the jihadist groups.

Somalia attacks kill 9, injure 10 after car bomb and gunfire

A car bomb attack took place near a hotel in Somalia's capital city,&nbsp;Mogadishu, on Sunday. The car bombing was followed by continuous and heavy gunfire at the entrance of the popular hotel.

"There's an attack under way in a hotel," a&nbsp;police officer Mohamed Adan told the local reporters of AFP. The exchange of fire started immediately after the car bomb exploded at the entrance of the Hotel Afrik.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-14-wounded-in-bomb-attack-in-somalias-mogadishu-al-shabab-claims-responsibility-354091">Five killed, 14 wounded in bomb attack in Somalia's Mogadishu; Al-Shabab claims responsibility</a>

Following the car bomb, the police officials reported that several "armed men have raided the building" and there "is an exchange of fire".

The onlookers described the bomb as scary and said, "A speeding car exploded near the hotel and checkpoint. The blast shook us and heavy gunfire followed," shopkeeper Ali Abdulahi told Reuters.

"I suspect the militants entered Hotel Afrik. That is where the exchange of gunfire is now taking place," he added.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-suicide-bombing-misses-pm-but-kills-several-top-commanders-350924">Somalia suicide bombing misses PM but kills several top commanders</a>

Emergency services and ambulances were called on the spot of the bombing immediately to cater to the injured. While no casualties have been reported yet, many locls have been injured.

As per reports, the Somalia police has stated that&nbsp;the Shebab jihadist group has claimed responsibility of this attack.&nbsp;

The area has been subjected to similar violence in the past few months too with the terrorist group al-Shabab attempting to disrupt peaceful lives of the residents frequently.

(This is a developing story.)

(With inputs from agencies)

A car bomb attack took place near a hotel in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, on Sunday. The car bombing was followed by continuous and heavy gunfire at the entrance of the popular hotel.

A car bomb attack took place near a hotel in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, on Sunday. The car bombing was followed by continuous and heavy gunfire at the entrance of the popular hotel. "There's an attack under way in a hotel," a police officer Mohamed Adan told the local reporters of AFP. The exchange of fire started immediately after the car bomb exploded at the entrance of the Hotel Afrik. Also read| Five killed, 14 wounded in bomb attack in Somalia's Mogadishu; Al-Shabab claims responsibility Following the car bomb, the police officials reported that several "armed men have raided the building" and there "is an exchange of fire". The onlookers described the bomb as scary and said, "A speeding car exploded near the hotel and checkpoint. The blast shook us and heavy gunfire followed," shopkeeper Ali Abdulahi told Reuters. "I suspect the militants entered Hotel Afrik. That is where the exchange of gunfire is now taking place," he added. Also read| Somalia suicide bombing misses PM but kills several top commanders Emergency services and ambulances were called on the spot of the bombing immediately to cater to the injured. While no casualties have been reported yet, many locls have been injured. As per reports, the Somalia police has stated that the Shebab jihadist group has claimed responsibility of this attack. The area has been subjected to similar violence in the past few months too with the terrorist group al-Shabab attempting to disrupt peaceful lives of the residents frequently. (This is a developing story.) (With inputs from agencies)

Blast and gunfire rock Somalia's capital; Shebab jihadist group claims responsibility

Al-Qaida-linked Somali terror outfit Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near the capital Mogadishu that killed at least five people, media reported Saturday.

The Somalia-based group often targets Mogadishu with suicide bombings and other attacks, and it has exploded bombs against the Turkish military and other targets there in the past. 
 
The blast occurred south of the capital targeting a Turkish-led construction crew laying a tarmac road, Somali news portal Garowe Online reported. Al-Shabaab claimed that the blast killed one Turkish official and two Somali police officers, according to the outlet.

The road project linking Mogadishu to the nearby town of Afgoye was funded by a Qatari donation, with the Turkish construction company securing the contract, Garowe reported.

Somalia has been engulfed in violence since the eruption of a civil war between clan-based armed groups in the early 1990s.&nbsp; 
The situation was further complicated by the emergence of terror groups like Al-Shabaab, linked to al-Qaeda, which regularly carry out bombings and attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Al-Qaida-linked Somali terror outfit Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near the capital Mogadishu that killed at least five people, media reported Saturday.

Al-Qaida-linked Somali terror outfit Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near the capital Mogadishu that killed at least five people, media reported Saturday. The Somalia-based group often targets Mogadishu with suicide bombings and other attacks, and it has exploded bombs against the Turkish military and other targets there in the past. The blast occurred south of the capital targeting a Turkish-led construction crew laying a tarmac road, Somali news portal Garowe Online reported. Al-Shabaab claimed that the blast killed one Turkish official and two Somali police officers, according to the outlet. The road project linking Mogadishu to the nearby town of Afgoye was funded by a Qatari donation, with the Turkish construction company securing the contract, Garowe reported. Somalia has been engulfed in violence since the eruption of a civil war between clan-based armed groups in the early 1990s. The situation was further complicated by the emergence of terror groups like Al-Shabaab, linked to al-Qaeda, which regularly carry out bombings and attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Five killed, 14 wounded in bomb attack in Somalia's Mogadishu; Al-Shabab claims responsibility

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble was on his way to address the rally at a stadium in Galkayo, a town in central Somalia where many residents and security forces had gathered to welcome him before the explosion, Galmudug state security ministry said in a post on its Facebook page.

“Over 10 people died in the blast including three senior military officials, soldiers and civilians,” Major Mohamed Abdirahman, a military officer, told Reuters from Galkayo. Over 20 people were injured, he added.

Senior officials at the site included General Abdiasis Abdullahi Qooje who was commander of a battalion based in Galmudug, Somali state radio SONNA reported.

He said the death toll may rise.

Somalia’s al Qaeda-allied Islamist group al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was “targeting the apostate prime minister who was visiting the town.”

Among those killed, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters, some were U.S.-trained.

The group has been fighting for more than a decade to topple the Horn of Africa’s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law.

Farah Ali, a resident of Galkayo who witnessed the bombing, told Reuters in a phone interview the stadium was packed with a huge crowd before the blast.

“I counted seven dead people including soldiers and civilians and over a dozen injured,” he said.

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said.

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble was on his way to address the rally at a stadium in Galkayo, a town in central Somalia where many residents and security forces had gathered to welcome him before the explosion, Galmudug state security ministry said in a post on its Facebook page. “Over 10 people died in the blast including three senior military officials, soldiers and civilians,” Major Mohamed Abdirahman, a military officer, told Reuters from Galkayo. Over 20 people were injured, he added. Senior officials at the site included General Abdiasis Abdullahi Qooje who was commander of a battalion based in Galmudug, Somali state radio SONNA reported. He said the death toll may rise. Somalia’s al Qaeda-allied Islamist group al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was “targeting the apostate prime minister who was visiting the town.” Among those killed, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters, some were U.S.-trained. The group has been fighting for more than a decade to topple the Horn of Africa’s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. Farah Ali, a resident of Galkayo who witnessed the bombing, told Reuters in a phone interview the stadium was packed with a huge crowd before the blast. “I counted seven dead people including soldiers and civilians and over a dozen injured,” he said.

Somalia suicide bombing misses PM but kills several top commanders

Somalia cut diplomatic relations with neighbouring Kenya on Tuesday, accusing it of meddling in politics as protests and gunfire erupted in the capital Mogadishu over delayed elections.

Somalia accuses Kenya of meddling in internal affairs

Somalis fear a U.S. decision to withdraw troops from their country will be seen as a victory for al-Qaida-linked militants who have wreaked havoc there for years, and sow the potential for further chaos at an especially delicate moment for Somalia and the region.

Somali presidential elections are scheduled in just two months; war is erupting in neighboring Ethiopia; and the militants, from al-Shabab, are still strong despite years of U.S.-led raids and drone strikes.

The timing of Friday’s Pentagon announcement, some Somalis say, is terrible.

“The fight against global terrorism is still ongoing, and we must still win the battle for peace and security to prevail,” said Ayub Ismail Yusuf, a Somali senator, who called the U.S. decision “untimely” on Twitter. “We must not give up on our successes.”

At Mogadishu University, Abdullahi, a 23-year-old political science student, said he feared al-Shabab will now be able to “strike without fear” in the capital.

“Now their leaders can move easily from place to place with little threat,” he added, asking that his full name be withheld to protect against possible reprisals. He lives near the charred remains of an ice cream parlor blitzed by an al-Shabab suicide bomber Nov. 27, an attack that killed seven people.

The Pentagon said it will “reposition” some of the estimated 700 U.S. troops in Somalia to other parts of East Africa — likely Kenya and Djibouti — and continue to carry out raids against al-Shabab and a smaller cluster of Islamic State group fighters in northern Somalia from bases in neighboring countries.

Drone strikes, which have killed numerous senior and midlevel al-Shabab commanders as well as dozens of civilians, will continue.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia did not immediately react to the U.S. decision, announced late Friday as part of President Donald Trump’s drive to end what he calls America’s endless wars before leaving office Jan. 20. Whether fears over the withdrawal, which is expected by mid-January, are fully merited is not yet clear.

What seems certain, though, is that the brunt of the changes will be borne by Danab, an elite Somali force that the U.S. military took under its wing after its formation in 2013. Since then, U.S. soldiers have trained and armed the Somali commandos, whose numbers have grown to about 1,000, and have often accompanied them on raids against al-Shabab.

Now Danab will be largely on its own.

Col. Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, who commanded Danab between 2016 and 2019, said he expected the United States to continue funding and arming the elite force. But the crucial U.S. “advise-and-assist” role — Americans helping Somali officers plan raids and accompanying them into firefights — will not be easily replaced, he said.

“You can launch and stage operations from countries like Djibouti and Kenya, but it’s not the same as being in the country,” Sheikh said. “You can’t train a force remotely.”

Even with years of U.S. support, Somalia has been able to only partially blunt al-Shabab’s potency.

The group controls swaths of southern Somalia, where its fighters ambush and bomb Somalia soldiers and African Union peacekeepers. A recent U.S. government report noted that al-Shabab was involved in 440 violent events in Somalia between July and September — the highest number in two years.

U.S. and Somali pressure has succeeded, though, in stemming sophisticated, large-scale attacks in Mogadishu, said Omar Mahmood, a Somalia analyst at the International Crisis Group, a conflict research organization.

The Somalis were supposed to be standing on their own feet in the coming year. An international plan hashed out in 2017 called for Somali security forces to be operating independently by 2021. That will not happen.

Danab, the main counterterrorism strike force, still relies heavily on U.S. support and has reached only about one-third of its planned size.

The U.S. withdrawal “could have a pretty big impact” Mahmood said. “The American advisory role is invaluable for Danab. This raises concerns it can continue to develop.”

Danab is not the main pillar of Somali security. The government relies heavily on a 19,000-strong force of African Union peacekeepers — although that, too, has been buffeted by uncertainty because of the erupting civil conflict in Ethiopia, which contributes about 4,000 troops.

The U.S. pullout from Somalia may have been inevitable. President-elect Joe Biden has also committed to withdrawing U.S. troops from “forever wars” — open-ended counterterrorism missions that proliferated after 2001.

But Somalia experts warned that Trump’s decision to pull the plug now, as Somalia faces parliamentary elections this month and a presidential vote in February, was a recipe for chaos and maximum damage.

“It’s typical of the Trump administration’s incoherent policy toward Somalia,” said Matt Bryden, a strategic adviser at Sahan Research, a group that specializes in the Horn of Africa. “This is an incomprehensible decision at a time when governments are likely to change in both Somalia and the U.S. It would have made more sense to wait a few months.”

Pentagon assurances that the U.S. will continue to hit al-Shabab from bases outside the country, he said, “look like a brave attempt to put lipstick on a pig.”

Other experts, though, said there is never a good time to leave a fragile country like Somalia.

“It’s probably a good thing if the American relationship with Somalia is not predominantly about a few hundred soldiers,” said Brittany Brown, a former Africa adviser at the National Security Council in the Obama and Trump administrations and now chief of staff for the International Crisis Group. “But like everything with Trump, it’s been so poorly executed.”

Somalia’s turmoil will not be solved by drone strikes or military raids, she said. “It won’t stop until Somalia has a government that can provide services to its people. Until then, al-Shabab will continue to be a threat.”

The presidential election itself faces some uncertainty. The incumbent, Mohamed, has been at loggerheads with Somalia’s regional leaders, and the opposition fears he may try to manipulate the vote.

Without the U.S. troops, the Somalis can still rely on other foreign allies like Qatar, which provides cash and humanitarian aid, and Turkey, which aims to train about 10,000 regular soldiers.

But for the Danab force, the U.S. withdrawal will constitute a “wake-up call,” said Sheikh, its former commander. “They realize they can’t rely on outside help anymore.”

It may also leave the force more prone to political interference, not to mention the corruption that has blighted other Somali security units. And the U.S. departure may deal a blow to morale, raising questions about America’s commitment to their fight.

“A bit of trust will be lost,” Sheikh said. “And it will be really hard to get it back.”

Somalis fear a U.S. decision to withdraw troops from their country will be seen as a victory for al-Qaida-linked militants who have wreaked havoc there for years, and sow the potential for further chaos at an especially delicate moment for Somalia and the region.

Somalis fear a U.S. decision to withdraw troops from their country will be seen as a victory for al-Qaida-linked militants who have wreaked havoc there for years, and sow the potential for further chaos at an especially delicate moment for Somalia and the region. Somali presidential elections are scheduled in just two months; war is erupting in neighboring Ethiopia; and the militants, from al-Shabab, are still strong despite years of U.S.-led raids and drone strikes. The timing of Friday’s Pentagon announcement, some Somalis say, is terrible. “The fight against global terrorism is still ongoing, and we must still win the battle for peace and security to prevail,” said Ayub Ismail Yusuf, a Somali senator, who called the U.S. decision “untimely” on Twitter. “We must not give up on our successes.” At Mogadishu University, Abdullahi, a 23-year-old political science student, said he feared al-Shabab will now be able to “strike without fear” in the capital. “Now their leaders can move easily from place to place with little threat,” he added, asking that his full name be withheld to protect against possible reprisals. He lives near the charred remains of an ice cream parlor blitzed by an al-Shabab suicide bomber Nov. 27, an attack that killed seven people. The Pentagon said it will “reposition” some of the estimated 700 U.S. troops in Somalia to other parts of East Africa — likely Kenya and Djibouti — and continue to carry out raids against al-Shabab and a smaller cluster of Islamic State group fighters in northern Somalia from bases in neighboring countries. Drone strikes, which have killed numerous senior and midlevel al-Shabab commanders as well as dozens of civilians, will continue. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia did not immediately react to the U.S. decision, announced late Friday as part of President Donald Trump’s drive to end what he calls America’s endless wars before leaving office Jan. 20. Whether fears over the withdrawal, which is expected by mid-January, are fully merited is not yet clear. What seems certain, though, is that the brunt of the changes will be borne by Danab, an elite Somali force that the U.S. military took under its wing after its formation in 2013. Since then, U.S. soldiers have trained and armed the Somali commandos, whose numbers have grown to about 1,000, and have often accompanied them on raids against al-Shabab. Now Danab will be largely on its own. Col. Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, who commanded Danab between 2016 and 2019, said he expected the United States to continue funding and arming the elite force. But the crucial U.S. “advise-and-assist” role — Americans helping Somali officers plan raids and accompanying them into firefights — will not be easily replaced, he said. “You can launch and stage operations from countries like Djibouti and Kenya, but it’s not the same as being in the country,” Sheikh said. “You can’t train a force remotely.” Even with years of U.S. support, Somalia has been able to only partially blunt al-Shabab’s potency. The group controls swaths of southern Somalia, where its fighters ambush and bomb Somalia soldiers and African Union peacekeepers. A recent U.S. government report noted that al-Shabab was involved in 440 violent events in Somalia between July and September — the highest number in two years. U.S. and Somali pressure has succeeded, though, in stemming sophisticated, large-scale attacks in Mogadishu, said Omar Mahmood, a Somalia analyst at the International Crisis Group, a conflict research organization. The Somalis were supposed to be standing on their own feet in the coming year. An international plan hashed out in 2017 called for Somali security forces to be operating independently by 2021. That will not happen. Danab, the main counterterrorism strike force, still relies heavily on U.S. support and has reached only about one-third of its planned size. The U.S. withdrawal “could have a pretty big impact” Mahmood said. “The American advisory role is invaluable for Danab. This raises concerns it can continue to develop.” Danab is not the main pillar of Somali security. The government relies heavily on a 19,000-strong force of African Union peacekeepers — although that, too, has been buffeted by uncertainty because of the erupting civil conflict in Ethiopia, which contributes about 4,000 troops. The U.S. pullout from Somalia may have been inevitable. President-elect Joe Biden has also committed to withdrawing U.S. troops from “forever wars” — open-ended counterterrorism missions that proliferated after 2001. But Somalia experts warned that Trump’s decision to pull the plug now, as Somalia faces parliamentary elections this month and a presidential vote in February, was a recipe for chaos and maximum damage. “It’s typical of the Trump administration’s incoherent policy toward Somalia,” said Matt Bryden, a strategic adviser at Sahan Research, a group that specializes in the Horn of Africa. “This is an incomprehensible decision at a time when governments are likely to change in both Somalia and the U.S. It would have made more sense to wait a few months.” Pentagon assurances that the U.S. will continue to hit al-Shabab from bases outside the country, he said, “look like a brave attempt to put lipstick on a pig.” Other experts, though, said there is never a good time to leave a fragile country like Somalia. “It’s probably a good thing if the American relationship with Somalia is not predominantly about a few hundred soldiers,” said Brittany Brown, a former Africa adviser at the National Security Council in the Obama and Trump administrations and now chief of staff for the International Crisis Group. “But like everything with Trump, it’s been so poorly executed.” Somalia’s turmoil will not be solved by drone strikes or military raids, she said. “It won’t stop until Somalia has a government that can provide services to its people. Until then, al-Shabab will continue to be a threat.” The presidential election itself faces some uncertainty. The incumbent, Mohamed, has been at loggerheads with Somalia’s regional leaders, and the opposition fears he may try to manipulate the vote. Without the U.S. troops, the Somalis can still rely on other foreign allies like Qatar, which provides cash and humanitarian aid, and Turkey, which aims to train about 10,000 regular soldiers. But for the Danab force, the U.S. withdrawal will constitute a “wake-up call,” said Sheikh, its former commander. “They realize they can’t rely on outside help anymore.” It may also leave the force more prone to political interference, not to mention the corruption that has blighted other Somali security units. And the U.S. departure may deal a blow to morale, raising questions about America’s commitment to their fight. “A bit of trust will be lost,” Sheikh said. “And it will be really hard to get it back.”

In Somalia, US troop withdrawal is seen as badly timed

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders.

There are currently about 700 troops in the nation.

This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad. Trump's order follows the November 17 announcement that he will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021.

On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021. It added the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of US counterterrorism efforts there.

"As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa. The remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighbouring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organisations operating in Somalia," it further said.

US troops in Somalia primarily train and advise local Somali forces as they battle al Qaeda's largest affiliate, Al-Shabaab.

The US military also carries out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and the local ISIS affiliate in the country, killing a top Al-Shabaab leader in a targetted strike in September. 
&nbsp;

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders. There are currently about 700 troops in the nation. This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders. There are currently about 700 troops in the nation. This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad. Trump's order follows the November 17 announcement that he will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021. On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021. It added the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of US counterterrorism efforts there. "As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa. The remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighbouring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organisations operating in Somalia," it further said. US troops in Somalia primarily train and advise local Somali forces as they battle al Qaeda's largest affiliate, Al-Shabaab. The US military also carries out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and the local ISIS affiliate in the country, killing a top Al-Shabaab leader in a targetted strike in September.

Trump orders a near total withdrawal of US troops from Somalia

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died.

The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said.

The officer died of injuries sustained during an operation last week, according to CNN.

The CIA has not commented publicly on the death.

Washington has some 700 troops deployed in Somalia carrying out training of Somali forces and conducting counter-terrorism raids against the Al-Shabaab militant group, which Washington designated a terrorist movement in 2008.

Earlier this month, Washington put on its terror blacklist the leader of an elite unit of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group blamed for a January attack in Kenya that killed three Americans.

Al-Shabaab is estimated to have between 5,000 and 9,000 fighters who have vowed to overthrow the Somali government, which is supported by some 20,000 troops from the African Union.

The slain US operative was a veteran of special forces operations, having previously been a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, the Times reported.

The outgoing administration of President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing all US forces from Somalia by the time he leaves office in January, the paper added.

At the start of his term, Trump gave the Pentagon a freer hand to expand their operations, with both air strikes and ground raids, in the war-ravaged African country.

But an official report released in February said that "despite continued US air strikes in Somalia and US assistance to African partner forces, Al-Shabaab appears to be a growing threat that aspires to strike the US homeland."

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died. The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said.

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died. The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said. The officer died of injuries sustained during an operation last week, according to CNN. The CIA has not commented publicly on the death. Washington has some 700 troops deployed in Somalia carrying out training of Somali forces and conducting counter-terrorism raids against the Al-Shabaab militant group, which Washington designated a terrorist movement in 2008. Earlier this month, Washington put on its terror blacklist the leader of an elite unit of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group blamed for a January attack in Kenya that killed three Americans. Al-Shabaab is estimated to have between 5,000 and 9,000 fighters who have vowed to overthrow the Somali government, which is supported by some 20,000 troops from the African Union. The slain US operative was a veteran of special forces operations, having previously been a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, the Times reported. The outgoing administration of President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing all US forces from Somalia by the time he leaves office in January, the paper added. At the start of his term, Trump gave the Pentagon a freer hand to expand their operations, with both air strikes and ground raids, in the war-ravaged African country. But an official report released in February said that "despite continued US air strikes in Somalia and US assistance to African partner forces, Al-Shabaab appears to be a growing threat that aspires to strike the US homeland."

CIA officer killed in Somalia: US media 

A locust invasion is swarming across parts of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, destroying crops and pastureland in its wake. WION brings you a report.

Worst crisis of Locust swarms in 7 decades hits Africa

When war ravages a country, it destroys not only lives but countless ideas that made the country what it was. It disrupts artistic discourse and brings artist's expression under threat. These are the very people who can offer a unique perspective and solutions that can heal the scars of society and make it move towards a better, brighter future. Providing platform to artists is hence an act that assumes great importance.

Somali Arts Foundation (SAF) is doing just that. In war torn and lawless Somalia, it is bringing many untold stories to the fore and through the perception and perspective of the artists. Somali Arts Foundation has been started in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.

It is challenging negative social norms as well. Fardowsa Hussien, a 25-year-old professional photographer told Voice of America how she had to face sexism from her fellow countrymen. Whenever she went out with her camera, she was at the receiving end of comments like 'shame on you' and that it was not a work befitting a 'Somali lady'. She gets encouragment from ladies however.

Somali Arts Foundation is helping Hussien showcase her work and meet other artists. The foundation is now seeking to promote creative industries in the country.

Sagal Ali, the founder of SAF said that she wants to work with every talented Somali.

When war ravages a country, it destroys not only lives but countless ideas that made the country what it was. It disrupts artistic discourse and brings artist's expression under threat.

When war ravages a country, it destroys not only lives but countless ideas that made the country what it was. It disrupts artistic discourse and brings artist's expression under threat. These are the very people who can offer a unique perspective and solutions that can heal the scars of society and make it move towards a better, brighter future. Providing platform to artists is hence an act that assumes great importance. Somali Arts Foundation (SAF) is doing just that. In war torn and lawless Somalia, it is bringing many untold stories to the fore and through the perception and perspective of the artists. Somali Arts Foundation has been started in Somalia's capital Mogadishu. It is challenging negative social norms as well. Fardowsa Hussien, a 25-year-old professional photographer told Voice of America how she had to face sexism from her fellow countrymen. Whenever she went out with her camera, she was at the receiving end of comments like 'shame on you' and that it was not a work befitting a 'Somali lady'. She gets encouragment from ladies however. Somali Arts Foundation is helping Hussien showcase her work and meet other artists. The foundation is now seeking to promote creative industries in the country. Sagal Ali, the founder of SAF said that she wants to work with every talented Somali.

Somalia: First modern arts institution gives platform to artists in war-torn country

Whistles screech on the sea breeze as three Somali coaches inspect a line of women in black and blue headscarves dribbling basketballs. It's not just the heat that makes it hard: the women are also braving the scorn of their families and the threat of attack by gunmen who think women should not play sport publicly.

Women's basektball a surprise hit in Somali capital

Somalia has been in the grip of civil war for almost 30 years now. Years of fighting has left much of the African nation in ruins. A group of young Somalis are now working to restore the lost development of their country. Watch the video to know more.

Break of a new dawn for Somalia, young Somalis work to reconstruct their country

For half a century scientists feared that the Somali elephant shrew had vanished from the face of the Earth. No one had seen so much as a whisker.&nbsp;

But the tiny mammal with its probing trunk-like nose was quietly thriving in the arid, rocky landscape of the Horn of Africa, researchers said Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-recently-found-microplastics-in-every-human-tissue-they-studied-321472" hreflang="en">Researchers recently found microplastics in every human tissue they studied</a>

The elusive, insect-eating creature is neither an elephant nor a shrew.&nbsp;It is a sengi -- a distant relation to aardvarks, elephants and manatees -- the size of a mouse, with powerful legs that allow it to run at speeds of nearly 30 kilometres (20 miles) an hour.

The Somali sengi has been lost to science since the 1970s, leaving just the 39 preserved specimens held in the world's natural history museums as the only physical evidence that it ever existed.

The Global Wildlife Conservation group even included it on its "25 most wanted lost species" list.&nbsp;

But during an expedition last year scientists found the animals still roaming the wild, discovering that the Somali sengi is not confined to Somalia at all.

The research mission was looking for different kinds of sengis in Djibouti, the small Horn of Africa coastal nation that borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea.&nbsp;

The team set up more than 1,250 traps filled with peanut butter, oatmeal and yeast extract in 12 areas in Djibouti, buoyed by speaking to local communities, where people could readily recognise the animals from photographs.

"Our interviews with local nomadic and pastoralist people indicated that they see sengis regularly and we were consistently told the same common name (Wali sandheer)," said Houssein Rayaleh, of Association Djibouti Nature, who was on the team. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The conservationist said he too had seen sengis during his 21 years doing fieldwork in the country.&nbsp;

But no one knew whether they were the long-lost Somali sengi.

"Without formal documentation, the species of the sengis in Djibouti was unknown," Rayaleh told AFP.&nbsp;

The team also included global elephant shrew expert Galen Rathburn, who had been studying the creatures for decades but had never seen a live Somali sengi, according to researcher Steven Heritage, of the Duke University Lemur Center.&nbsp;

"So when he opened the first trap and looked over at me, and he had seen the cute tufted furry tail of the animal and he looked at me and said 'I can't believe it, I've never seen one before'," Heritage told AFP. Rathbun died of cancer shortly after the expedition.&nbsp;

The researchers collected twelve specimens of the mammal.&nbsp;

Their findings prove that the Somali sengi "is currently extant" and lives far beyond the boundaries of Somalia, the researchers said in a study published in the journal PeerJ.&nbsp;

 
The team, which plans a new expedition to learn more about the species, believes the sengi could be living across Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

And while they cannot estimate the size of the population, they believe the sengi is thriving. &nbsp;

"All the local people knew about this, so it could not be rare in any way," said Heritage, the lead author of the study.&nbsp;

"And its habitats are not threatened by agriculture and human development, in a very arid environment where there is no foreseeable future for agriculture."

As a result, researchers recommended that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reappraise its classification for the Somali sengi on its list of vulnerable creatures, from "Data Deficient" to "Least Concern".&nbsp;

"Usually when we rediscover lost species, we find just one or two individuals and have to act quickly to try to prevent their imminent extinction," said Robin Moore of Global Wildlife Conservation.

Other species rediscovered in recent years include Jackson's climbing salamander in Guatemala, the Wallace's giant bee in Indonesia, and the silver-backed chevrotain -- a deer-like species the size of a rabbit -- in Vietnam.

Moore said this raises hope for those species still thought to be "lost", including the Ilin Island cloudrunner, a cloud rat from a single island in the Philippines.&nbsp;

For half a century scientists feared that the Somali elephant shrew had vanished from the face of the Earth. No one had seen so much as a whisker. But the tiny mammal with its probing trunk-like nose was quietly thriving in the arid, rocky landscape of the Horn of Africa, researchers said Tuesday.

For half a century scientists feared that the Somali elephant shrew had vanished from the face of the Earth. No one had seen so much as a whisker. But the tiny mammal with its probing trunk-like nose was quietly thriving in the arid, rocky landscape of the Horn of Africa, researchers said Tuesday. Also read: Researchers recently found microplastics in every human tissue they studied The elusive, insect-eating creature is neither an elephant nor a shrew. It is a sengi -- a distant relation to aardvarks, elephants and manatees -- the size of a mouse, with powerful legs that allow it to run at speeds of nearly 30 kilometres (20 miles) an hour. The Somali sengi has been lost to science since the 1970s, leaving just the 39 preserved specimens held in the world's natural history museums as the only physical evidence that it ever existed. The Global Wildlife Conservation group even included it on its "25 most wanted lost species" list. But during an expedition last year scientists found the animals still roaming the wild, discovering that the Somali sengi is not confined to Somalia at all. The research mission was looking for different kinds of sengis in Djibouti, the small Horn of Africa coastal nation that borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The team set up more than 1,250 traps filled with peanut butter, oatmeal and yeast extract in 12 areas in Djibouti, buoyed by speaking to local communities, where people could readily recognise the animals from photographs. "Our interviews with local nomadic and pastoralist people indicated that they see sengis regularly and we were consistently told the same common name (Wali sandheer)," said Houssein Rayaleh, of Association Djibouti Nature, who was on the team. The conservationist said he too had seen sengis during his 21 years doing fieldwork in the country. But no one knew whether they were the long-lost Somali sengi. "Without formal documentation, the species of the sengis in Djibouti was unknown," Rayaleh told AFP. The team also included global elephant shrew expert Galen Rathburn, who had been studying the creatures for decades but had never seen a live Somali sengi, according to researcher Steven Heritage, of the Duke University Lemur Center. "So when he opened the first trap and looked over at me, and he had seen the cute tufted furry tail of the animal and he looked at me and said 'I can't believe it, I've never seen one before'," Heritage told AFP. Rathbun died of cancer shortly after the expedition. The researchers collected twelve specimens of the mammal. Their findings prove that the Somali sengi "is currently extant" and lives far beyond the boundaries of Somalia, the researchers said in a study published in the journal PeerJ. The team, which plans a new expedition to learn more about the species, believes the sengi could be living across Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia. And while they cannot estimate the size of the population, they believe the sengi is thriving. "All the local people knew about this, so it could not be rare in any way," said Heritage, the lead author of the study. "And its habitats are not threatened by agriculture and human development, in a very arid environment where there is no foreseeable future for agriculture." As a result, researchers recommended that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reappraise its classification for the Somali sengi on its list of vulnerable creatures, from "Data Deficient" to "Least Concern". "Usually when we rediscover lost species, we find just one or two individuals and have to act quickly to try to prevent their imminent extinction," said Robin Moore of Global Wildlife Conservation. Other species rediscovered in recent years include Jackson's climbing salamander in Guatemala, the Wallace's giant bee in Indonesia, and the silver-backed chevrotain -- a deer-like species the size of a rabbit -- in Vietnam. Moore said this raises hope for those species still thought to be "lost", including the Ilin Island cloudrunner, a cloud rat from a single island in the Philippines.

Long 'lost' elephant shrew found in Horn of Africa

Ten civilians and one police officer were killed in a gun and bomb attack by Al-Shabaab fighters on a hotel in Somalia's capital on Sunday.

Security forces took four hours to regain control of the Elite Hotel in the Lido beach area of Mogadishu after five assailants stormed it early Sunday evening.

Information ministry spokesman Ismael Mukhtaar Omar told AFP: "Ten people were dead and five militants were also killed, plus one Somalia special police officer."&nbsp;

One of the assailants had died in the car bomb explosion that kicked off the attack and two others had died in a shootout.

Ambulance workers at the scene reported that at least 28 people were wounded. &nbsp;

Witnesses said the attack began with a heavy explosion and people ran from the area as gunfire could be heard from the upscale beachfront hotel.

Somalia plunged into chaos after the 1991 overthrow of then-President Siad Barre's military regime, leading to years of clan warfare followed by the rise of Al-Shabaab which once controlled large parts of the country and Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab was driven out of the capital in 2011, but its militants continue to wage war against the government, carrying out regular attacks.

Last week four Shabaab fighters held in Mogadishu's central prison were killed in an intense shootout with security forces after they somehow managed to get their hands on weapons within the facility.

Its last major attack in Mogadishu was in December 2019, when it slaughtered 81 people by detonating a vehicle packed with explosives. &nbsp;

Ten civilians and one police officer were killed in a gun and bomb attack by Al-Shabaab fighters on a hotel in Somalia's capital on Sunday. Security forces took four hours to regain control of the Elite Hotel in the Lido beach area of Mogadishu after five assailants stormed it early Sunday evening.

Ten civilians and one police officer were killed in a gun and bomb attack by Al-Shabaab fighters on a hotel in Somalia's capital on Sunday. Security forces took four hours to regain control of the Elite Hotel in the Lido beach area of Mogadishu after five assailants stormed it early Sunday evening. Information ministry spokesman Ismael Mukhtaar Omar told AFP: "Ten people were dead and five militants were also killed, plus one Somalia special police officer." One of the assailants had died in the car bomb explosion that kicked off the attack and two others had died in a shootout. Ambulance workers at the scene reported that at least 28 people were wounded. Witnesses said the attack began with a heavy explosion and people ran from the area as gunfire could be heard from the upscale beachfront hotel. Somalia plunged into chaos after the 1991 overthrow of then-President Siad Barre's military regime, leading to years of clan warfare followed by the rise of Al-Shabaab which once controlled large parts of the country and Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab was driven out of the capital in 2011, but its militants continue to wage war against the government, carrying out regular attacks. Last week four Shabaab fighters held in Mogadishu's central prison were killed in an intense shootout with security forces after they somehow managed to get their hands on weapons within the facility. Its last major attack in Mogadishu was in December 2019, when it slaughtered 81 people by detonating a vehicle packed with explosives.

Eleven killed in gun and bomb attack at hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu

Somalia's parliament ousted Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a no-confidence vote on Saturday, as a simmering power struggle between him and the president came to the fore.

Khaire and President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed have been tussling over whether to delay a national election due in February next year, with the prime minister insisting it go ahead and the president favouring postponement.

President Mohamed elevated the deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled to prime minister in an acting capacity, a statement issued by his office said.

The president`s allies have also accused Khaire of failing to stabilise the security situation. Lawmakers voted 170-8 to remove Khaire from office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-explosions-rock-somalian-cities-4-dead-several-injured-310717">Also read:&nbsp;Two explosions rock Somalian cities; 4 dead, several injured</a>

"The government failed in its promise on the preparation of a clear plan for the one man, one vote election," said Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, the speaker of parliament, referring to the first direct election since civil war erupted in 1991.

The Horn-of-Africa country has been holding elections through representatives like elders in the past decade, due to insecurity caused by al Shabaab militants in most areas.

Mohamed Abukar Islow, the internal security minister and a key ally of Khaire, accused the speaker and the president of plotting to remove the prime minister to extend their terms.

"It is a dark day," Islow said, terming the move unconstitutional due to the requirement that an election be held every four years. Khaire, a former oil company executive, was not immediately available for a comment.

President Mohamed he had accepted the decision of lawmakers to remove Khaire, citing the need to preserve the unity of the various arms of government.

Rashid Abdi, an independent Horn of Africa analyst, said Khaire`s removal was inevitable because of differences with the president and the prime minister`s ambition to be president one day.

"What was surprising was the swiftness with which it was done. There was no debate or negotiations," Abdi told Reuters.

Somalia's parliament ousted Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a no-confidence vote on Saturday, as a simmering power struggle between him and the president came to the fore.

Somalia's parliament ousted Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a no-confidence vote on Saturday, as a simmering power struggle between him and the president came to the fore. Khaire and President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed have been tussling over whether to delay a national election due in February next year, with the prime minister insisting it go ahead and the president favouring postponement. President Mohamed elevated the deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled to prime minister in an acting capacity, a statement issued by his office said. The president`s allies have also accused Khaire of failing to stabilise the security situation. Lawmakers voted 170-8 to remove Khaire from office. Also read: Two explosions rock Somalian cities; 4 dead, several injured "The government failed in its promise on the preparation of a clear plan for the one man, one vote election," said Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, the speaker of parliament, referring to the first direct election since civil war erupted in 1991. The Horn-of-Africa country has been holding elections through representatives like elders in the past decade, due to insecurity caused by al Shabaab militants in most areas. Mohamed Abukar Islow, the internal security minister and a key ally of Khaire, accused the speaker and the president of plotting to remove the prime minister to extend their terms. "It is a dark day," Islow said, terming the move unconstitutional due to the requirement that an election be held every four years. Khaire, a former oil company executive, was not immediately available for a comment. President Mohamed he had accepted the decision of lawmakers to remove Khaire, citing the need to preserve the unity of the various arms of government. Rashid Abdi, an independent Horn of Africa analyst, said Khaire`s removal was inevitable because of differences with the president and the prime minister`s ambition to be president one day. "What was surprising was the swiftness with which it was done. There was no debate or negotiations," Abdi told Reuters.

Somalia's parliament ousts Prime Minister in no-confidence vote

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead.

Officials said a suicide car bomber detonated near the port in Mogadishu. The bomb detonated near the gates of the motor vehicle imports duty authority headquarters.&nbsp;The bomber sped through the first security checkpoint before police officers opened fire at the vehicle which exploded outside the gates, Ismail Mukhtar, spokesman for Somalia's information ministry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somaliland-next-to-chinas-only-military-base-in-indian-ocean-establishes-ties-with-taiwan-310704">Also read:&nbsp;Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan</a>

Another blast followed at a land mine in a restaurant on the outskirts of&nbsp;Baidoa while miners were dining during the rush hours.

Ali Abdullahi, an official with the Southwestern regional state, informed the media that the blast in Baidoa was detonated through a remote control during the rush hour. Several other people are wounded, he said.

While no group has claimed responsibility yet for the attacks, experts believe that this might be another attack by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, as the group&nbsp;has targeted the city in the past too.

Five policemen have also been injured in the blasts, informed Sadik Aden Ali, spokesman for Somalia's police force.

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead.

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead. Officials said a suicide car bomber detonated near the port in Mogadishu. The bomb detonated near the gates of the motor vehicle imports duty authority headquarters. The bomber sped through the first security checkpoint before police officers opened fire at the vehicle which exploded outside the gates, Ismail Mukhtar, spokesman for Somalia's information ministry. Also read: Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan Another blast followed at a land mine in a restaurant on the outskirts of Baidoa while miners were dining during the rush hours. Ali Abdullahi, an official with the Southwestern regional state, informed the media that the blast in Baidoa was detonated through a remote control during the rush hour. Several other people are wounded, he said. While no group has claimed responsibility yet for the attacks, experts believe that this might be another attack by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, as the group has targeted the city in the past too. Five policemen have also been injured in the blasts, informed Sadik Aden Ali, spokesman for Somalia's police force.

Two explosions rock Somalian cities; 4 dead, several injured

With the entire world being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere has not heard of it. But much to our surprise, scores of migrants arriving in Somalia are unaware of COVID-19.

Monitors for the UN migration agency interview people at the border in Somalia, a crossroads on one of the world's most dangerous migration routes: across the Red Sea with traffickers, through war-ravaged Yemen and into rich Gulf countries.

After the first infections were confirmed in Somalia, a new question was added into the simple list -- How many people in your group are aware of the coronavirus?

In the week ending June 20, just over half of the 3,471 people tracked said they had never heard of COVID-19.

The migrants mostly consist of young men from rural parts of neighbouring Ethiopia. Most have no education, and some are from communities where internet access is low.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208">Also read | There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

Anyone who is unaware of the coronavirus is given a short explanation of the pandemic, including how the virus is contracted and descriptions of the symptoms and preventative measures.

Somali authorities cite limited internet access, limited awareness campaigns and even extremists' restrictions on communications with the outside world.

Somalia, with one of the world's weakest health systems, now has more than 2,800 cases.

With the entire world being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere has not heard of it. But much to our surprise, scores of migrants arriving in Somalia are unaware of COVID-19.

With the entire world being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere has not heard of it. But much to our surprise, scores of migrants arriving in Somalia are unaware of COVID-19. Monitors for the UN migration agency interview people at the border in Somalia, a crossroads on one of the world's most dangerous migration routes: across the Red Sea with traffickers, through war-ravaged Yemen and into rich Gulf countries. After the first infections were confirmed in Somalia, a new question was added into the simple list -- How many people in your group are aware of the coronavirus? In the week ending June 20, just over half of the 3,471 people tracked said they had never heard of COVID-19. The migrants mostly consist of young men from rural parts of neighbouring Ethiopia. Most have no education, and some are from communities where internet access is low. Also read | There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! Anyone who is unaware of the coronavirus is given a short explanation of the pandemic, including how the virus is contracted and descriptions of the symptoms and preventative measures. Somali authorities cite limited internet access, limited awareness campaigns and even extremists' restrictions on communications with the outside world. Somalia, with one of the world's weakest health systems, now has more than 2,800 cases.

A half-year into coronavirus pandemic, and these migrants have not heard about COVID-19

Destructive conflicts and persecutions uproot thousands of people from their homes and countries every year. According to the United Nations, every minute, 20 people are forced to leave everything behind and avoid conflict and war.

World Refugee Day 2020: Stories of the people who got displaced from their own countries

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Kenya,&nbsp;</a>according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations </a>(UN).

According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">ast Africa</a>.

Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa</a>

Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa.&nbsp;Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country&nbsp;to counter the problem.

As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die&nbsp;just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem.

The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan.

The locusts had swept into the country&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Somalia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Ethiopia </a>after unusually heavy rains in the past few months.

Watch:&nbsp;Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

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It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by&nbsp;a hunger crisis.

Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN).

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across east Africa. Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June. Also read: Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa. Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country to counter the problem. As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem. The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan. The locusts had swept into the country from Somalia and Ethiopia after unusually heavy rains in the past few months. Watch: Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by a hunger crisis. Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

At least four people were killed and several wounded in a car bombing that apparently targeted Turkish engineers in Somalia's capital city Mogadishu, police and witnesses said.&nbsp;

The bomb blasted near the town of Afgoye about 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of Mogadishu, killing four people and wounding several others including several Turkish nationals, said a local cop Abdirahman Adan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-near-somalias-parliament-in-mogadishu-272902">Blast near Somalia's Parliament in Mogadishu</a>

"A speeding suicide car bomb rammed into a place where the Turkish engineers and Somali police were having lunch," police officer Nur Ali.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-storm-military-base-in-somalia-kill-3-american-citizens-272394">Al Shabaab militants storm military base in Somalia; kill 3 American citizens</a>

Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-90-people-killed-in-mogadishu-checkpoint-blast-report-270759">At least 90 people killed in Mogadishu checkpoint blast in Somalia: Report</a>

"We are behind the martyrdom of the suicide car bomb in Afgoye," Abdiasis Abu Musab, a spokesman for Al-Shabaab said. "We targeted the Turkish men and the Somali forces with them. There are casualties of death and injuries."

"The blast was huge, it destroyed a container used by the Turkish engineers who work on the Afgoye road construction," said witness Muhidin Yusuf.

Another witness said that he saw dead bodies of several people and injured Turkish people.&nbsp;

At least four Turkish employees of a construction firm were injured and are being admitted in a hospital, Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency said.&nbsp;

Al-Shabaab has increased its activity in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya and on December 28 carried another car bombing in Mogadishu that killed 81 people.&nbsp;

On January 5, three Americans were killed when Al-Shabaab's jihadists stormed a military base used by US troops in Kenya's coastal Lamu region.&nbsp;

The jihadist group last week warned Kenya that it will "never be safe", and threatened tourists and of carrying out more attacks targeting US interests. &nbsp;

Turkey has been a major contributor to Somalia after the country was hit by a famine in 2011 as Ankara seeks to increase its influence in the region to counter rivals such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

At least four people were killed and several wounded in a car bombing that apparently targeted Turkish engineers in Somalia's capital city Mogadishu, police and witnesses said.

At least four people were killed and several wounded in a car bombing that apparently targeted Turkish engineers in Somalia's capital city Mogadishu, police and witnesses said. The bomb blasted near the town of Afgoye about 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of Mogadishu, killing four people and wounding several others including several Turkish nationals, said a local cop Abdirahman Adan. Also read: Blast near Somalia's Parliament in Mogadishu "A speeding suicide car bomb rammed into a place where the Turkish engineers and Somali police were having lunch," police officer Nur Ali. Also read: Al Shabaab militants storm military base in Somalia; kill 3 American citizens Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack. Also read: At least 90 people killed in Mogadishu checkpoint blast in Somalia: Report "We are behind the martyrdom of the suicide car bomb in Afgoye," Abdiasis Abu Musab, a spokesman for Al-Shabaab said. "We targeted the Turkish men and the Somali forces with them. There are casualties of death and injuries." "The blast was huge, it destroyed a container used by the Turkish engineers who work on the Afgoye road construction," said witness Muhidin Yusuf. Another witness said that he saw dead bodies of several people and injured Turkish people. At least four Turkish employees of a construction firm were injured and are being admitted in a hospital, Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency said. Al-Shabaab has increased its activity in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya and on December 28 carried another car bombing in Mogadishu that killed 81 people. On January 5, three Americans were killed when Al-Shabaab's jihadists stormed a military base used by US troops in Kenya's coastal Lamu region. The jihadist group last week warned Kenya that it will "never be safe", and threatened tourists and of carrying out more attacks targeting US interests. Turkey has been a major contributor to Somalia after the country was hit by a famine in 2011 as Ankara seeks to increase its influence in the region to counter rivals such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

At least four killed, dozens injured in Al-Shabaab car bombing in Somalia

The United States and Somalia govt claimed to neutralise 4 Al-Shabaab terrorists after the horrendous car explosion in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Saturday which claimed the lives of around 80 people. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: U.S., Somalia govt neutralised 4 Al-Shabaab terrorists

Somalian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo reassured his country on Saturday, that&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;would not be demoralised after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-90-people-killed-in-mogadishu-checkpoint-blast-report-270759">bomb-laden truck exploded</a> earlier in the day at a busy checkpoint in Mogadishu, killing at least 90 people according to an international organisation working in the country.

"The motive behind such an attack is to terrorise and demoralize the&nbsp;Somalian people and its government. The people and its government will never be demoralized from achieving our development goals and the rebuilding of our country,"&nbsp;Farmajo said.&nbsp;

The roadside bombing was the deadliest attack to hit&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in more than two years, further raising security concerns in the Horn of Africa.

Saturday is a working day in the Muslim country and the explosion occurred during the morning rush hour. Rescuers carried bodies past the twisted wreckage of a vehicle and a minibus taxi smeared with blood.

Also watch:&nbsp;Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured

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Farmajo also urged government authorities and Somalian people to help the victims of the deadly attack.&nbsp;

"I strongly order government agencies to help people in hospitals who are wounded from the blast and give them whatever support they need. I also ask the&nbsp;Somalian people to help the victims in whatever way they can," he said.&nbsp;

A report by the international organisation, which did not want to be named, said the death toll was more than 90 and that university students and 17 police officers were among those killed. A Somali MP also tweeted that he had been told the death toll stands at more than 90.

No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast but the city's mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab.

"This terrorist group of Al-Shabab, it seems has been contracted to kill and massacre innocent people and destroy all infrastructure," the President said.&nbsp;

Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo reassured his country on Saturday, that Somalia would not be demoralised after a bomb-laden truck exploded earlier in the day at a busy checkpoint in Mogadishu, killing at least 90 people according to an international organisation working in the country.

Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo reassured his country on Saturday, that Somalia would not be demoralised after a bomb-laden truck exploded earlier in the day at a busy checkpoint in Mogadishu, killing at least 90 people according to an international organisation working in the country. "The motive behind such an attack is to terrorise and demoralize the Somalian people and its government. The people and its government will never be demoralized from achieving our development goals and the rebuilding of our country," Farmajo said. The roadside bombing was the deadliest attack to hit Somalia in more than two years, further raising security concerns in the Horn of Africa. Saturday is a working day in the Muslim country and the explosion occurred during the morning rush hour. Rescuers carried bodies past the twisted wreckage of a vehicle and a minibus taxi smeared with blood. Also watch: Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured × Farmajo also urged government authorities and Somalian people to help the victims of the deadly attack. "I strongly order government agencies to help people in hospitals who are wounded from the blast and give them whatever support they need. I also ask the Somalian people to help the victims in whatever way they can," he said. A report by the international organisation, which did not want to be named, said the death toll was more than 90 and that university students and 17 police officers were among those killed. A Somali MP also tweeted that he had been told the death toll stands at more than 90. No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast but the city's mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab. "This terrorist group of Al-Shabab, it seems has been contracted to kill and massacre innocent people and destroy all infrastructure," the President said.

Somalian president reassures nation after deadly truck bomb attack

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-evacuate-wounded-after-deadly-mogadishu-blast-270851">devastating bombing that killed 79 people</a> and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint.

"The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport.

No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government.

Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people.

Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available".

At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital.

The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital.

Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase.

"There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists.

"We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added.

The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia.

Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country.

"There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said.

'Life-threatening injuries'

Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport.&nbsp;

Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast.

"The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said.&nbsp;

"Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well."

Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home.

Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity. The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint. "The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport. No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government. Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people. Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available". At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital. The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital. Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase. "There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists. "We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added. The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia. Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country. "There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said. 'Life-threatening injuries' Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport. Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast. "The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said. "Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well." Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home. Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

Turkish military plane evacuates Somalia bomb victims

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-90-people-killed-in-mogadishu-checkpoint-blast-report-270759">killed at least 90 people</a> including two Turkish nationals.

The plane also brought emergency medical staff and supplies, according to a tweet from the Turkish embassy, adding there&nbsp;had been transferred to a Turkish-run hospital in Mogadishu.

Somali Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye told state media that 10 badly injured Somalis would be evacuated to Turkey. He added that Turkey had sent 24 doctors to treat those wounded who could not be evacuated.

Since a 2011 famine in Somalia, Turkey has been a leading aid provider to the country as Ankara seeks to boost its influence in the strategic Horn of Africa in competition with Gulf rivals like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-kuwait-signed-an-agreement-to-resume-joint-oil-output-270025">Saudi Arabia</a> and the United Arab Emirates.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured

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Saturday’s blast, at a busy checkpoint during rush hour in Mogadishu, was the deadliest in war-torn Somalia in more than two years. No-one immediately claimed responsibility, although the city’s mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab.

The dead included many students from a university in the city, authorities said.

A Reuters witness at Mogadishu airport saw 10 injured Somalis and the bodies of two dead Turks loaded on the plane.

The bombing was the 20th vehicle-borne explosives attack of 2019 in Somalia and the year is ending with more deaths from such attacks than 2018, according to the Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based security-think tank.

Grieving families on Sunday arranged burials and funerals for their loved ones, having endured the anguish of identifying charred corpses and body fragments at the blast site and at hospitals around the city.&nbsp;

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that killed at least 90 people including two Turkish nationals.

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that killed at least 90 people including two Turkish nationals. The plane also brought emergency medical staff and supplies, according to a tweet from the Turkish embassy, adding there had been transferred to a Turkish-run hospital in Mogadishu. Somali Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye told state media that 10 badly injured Somalis would be evacuated to Turkey. He added that Turkey had sent 24 doctors to treat those wounded who could not be evacuated. Since a 2011 famine in Somalia, Turkey has been a leading aid provider to the country as Ankara seeks to boost its influence in the strategic Horn of Africa in competition with Gulf rivals like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Also Watch: Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured × Saturday’s blast, at a busy checkpoint during rush hour in Mogadishu, was the deadliest in war-torn Somalia in more than two years. No-one immediately claimed responsibility, although the city’s mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab. The dead included many students from a university in the city, authorities said. A Reuters witness at Mogadishu airport saw 10 injured Somalis and the bodies of two dead Turks loaded on the plane. The bombing was the 20th vehicle-borne explosives attack of 2019 in Somalia and the year is ending with more deaths from such attacks than 2018, according to the Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based security-think tank. Grieving families on Sunday arranged burials and funerals for their loved ones, having endured the anguish of identifying charred corpses and body fragments at the blast site and at hospitals around the city.

Turkey to evacuate wounded after deadly Mogadishu blast

At least 90 people were killed and dozens were wounded when a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-death-toll-jumps-to-71-in-car-bomb-attack-in-mogadishu-270750">bomb-laden vehicle exploded</a> at a bustling checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, an international organisation working in the country said, in one of the most deadly recent attacks.

The dead included many students and two Turkish nationals, the Somali foreign minister said.

Rescuers carried bodies past the twisted wreckage of a vehicle and a minibus taxi smeared with blood.

A report by the international organisation, which did not want to be named, said the death toll was more than 90. A Somali MP also tweeted that he had been told the death toll stands at more than 90, including 17 police officers.

Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, the founder of Aamin ambulances, told Reuters that dozens of people were also wounded.

No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

Al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab regularly carries out such attacks in an attempt to undermine the government, which is backed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-slams-myanmar-for-human-rights-abuses-of-rohingya-muslims-passes-resolutions-270753">United Nations</a> and African Union troops.

The most deadly attack blamed on the group was in October 2017 when a bomb-laden truck exploded next to a fuel tanker in Mogadishu, creating a storm of fire that killed nearly 600 people.

While al Shabaab carries out frequent attacks, the death tolls are often lower than in Saturday's blast. The group has sometimes not claimed responsibility for attacks that sparked a big public backlash, such as a 2009 suicide bombing of a graduation ceremony for medical students.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured

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Three witnesses told Reuters that a small team of Turkish engineers were present at the time of the blast at the Ex-Control checkpoint, constructing a road from the checkpoint into the city.

A car belonging to the engineers was destroyed instantly in the blast, the witnesses said.

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad later tweeted that two of the Turkish engineers died in the blast.

Many of the dead were "students with ambition, and hardworking men and women", he wrote.

Turkey's foreign ministry confirmed the death of two of its nationals.

Turkey has been a major donor to Somalia since a famine in 2011, and together with the government of Qatar is funding a number of infrastructure and medical projects in the country. In 2017, Turkey opened a military base in Mogadishu to train Somali soldiers.

The checkpoint is also a tax collection point for the government, Ali Abdi Ali Hoshow, a foreign affairs ministry official, said on Twitter.

'Screaming for help'&nbsp;

After the explosion, 55-year-old Sabdow Ali, who lives nearby, said he left his house and counted at least 13 people dead.

"Dozens of injured people were screaming for help but the police immediately opened fire and I rushed back to my house," he told Reuters.

The injured were transported to Medina Hospital, where a Reuters witness saw dozens arriving by ambulance. A nurse at the hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the facility had received more than 100 wounded people.

Relatives gathered at the hospital, weeping outside the entrance as they sought information on their loved ones.

Speaking to reporters at the blast site, Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said the government confirmed at least 90 civilians, mostly students, had been injured.

Police officials were not immediately available for comment on casualty numbers.

The Horn of Africa country has been riven by conflict since 1991, when clan warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre and then turned on each other.

Al Shabaab grew out of a political movement that used Islamic courts to try to impose order on the country. U.S.-backed Ethiopian soldiers defeated the Islamic Courts Union in 2006, but the movement's youth wing split off and launched an insurgency.

Al Shabaab pledged loyalty to al Qaeda in 2012, as the insurgency battled African Union peacekeepers.

The group has also carried out attacks in east African countries such as Kenya and Uganda.

At least 90 people were killed and dozens were wounded when a bomb-laden vehicle exploded at a bustling checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, an international organisation working in the country said, in one of the most deadly recent attacks.

At least 90 people were killed and dozens were wounded when a bomb-laden vehicle exploded at a bustling checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, an international organisation working in the country said, in one of the most deadly recent attacks. The dead included many students and two Turkish nationals, the Somali foreign minister said. Rescuers carried bodies past the twisted wreckage of a vehicle and a minibus taxi smeared with blood. A report by the international organisation, which did not want to be named, said the death toll was more than 90. A Somali MP also tweeted that he had been told the death toll stands at more than 90, including 17 police officers. Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, the founder of Aamin ambulances, told Reuters that dozens of people were also wounded. No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast. Al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab regularly carries out such attacks in an attempt to undermine the government, which is backed by the United Nations and African Union troops. The most deadly attack blamed on the group was in October 2017 when a bomb-laden truck exploded next to a fuel tanker in Mogadishu, creating a storm of fire that killed nearly 600 people. While al Shabaab carries out frequent attacks, the death tolls are often lower than in Saturday's blast. The group has sometimes not claimed responsibility for attacks that sparked a big public backlash, such as a 2009 suicide bombing of a graduation ceremony for medical students. Also Watch: Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured × Three witnesses told Reuters that a small team of Turkish engineers were present at the time of the blast at the Ex-Control checkpoint, constructing a road from the checkpoint into the city. A car belonging to the engineers was destroyed instantly in the blast, the witnesses said. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad later tweeted that two of the Turkish engineers died in the blast. Many of the dead were "students with ambition, and hardworking men and women", he wrote. Turkey's foreign ministry confirmed the death of two of its nationals. Turkey has been a major donor to Somalia since a famine in 2011, and together with the government of Qatar is funding a number of infrastructure and medical projects in the country. In 2017, Turkey opened a military base in Mogadishu to train Somali soldiers. The checkpoint is also a tax collection point for the government, Ali Abdi Ali Hoshow, a foreign affairs ministry official, said on Twitter. 'Screaming for help' After the explosion, 55-year-old Sabdow Ali, who lives nearby, said he left his house and counted at least 13 people dead. "Dozens of injured people were screaming for help but the police immediately opened fire and I rushed back to my house," he told Reuters. The injured were transported to Medina Hospital, where a Reuters witness saw dozens arriving by ambulance. A nurse at the hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the facility had received more than 100 wounded people. Relatives gathered at the hospital, weeping outside the entrance as they sought information on their loved ones. Speaking to reporters at the blast site, Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said the government confirmed at least 90 civilians, mostly students, had been injured. Police officials were not immediately available for comment on casualty numbers. The Horn of Africa country has been riven by conflict since 1991, when clan warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre and then turned on each other. Al Shabaab grew out of a political movement that used Islamic courts to try to impose order on the country. U.S.-backed Ethiopian soldiers defeated the Islamic Courts Union in 2006, but the movement's youth wing split off and launched an insurgency. Al Shabaab pledged loyalty to al Qaeda in 2012, as the insurgency battled African Union peacekeepers. The group has also carried out attacks in east African countries such as Kenya and Uganda.

At least 90 people killed in Mogadishu checkpoint blast in Somalia: Report

A massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-killed-in-car-bomb-attack-in-somalia-270726">car bomb exploded in a busy area of Mogadishu on Saturday</a>, leaving at least 76 people dead, many of them university students, officials said.

The blast occurred at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital where traffic is heavy because of a security checkpoint and a tax office.

The wounded were carried on stretchers from the site, where the force of the explosion left charred and twisted remains of vehicles.

Mogadishu is regularly hit by car bombings and attacks waged by Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda, but Saturday's blast is the deadliest in about two years.

Many of those killed are believed to be university students whose bus was hit by the blast. Two Turkish nationals also died, police said.

"The number of casualties we have confirmed is 76 dead and 70 wounded, it could still be higher," the director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP.

Police officer Ibrahim Mohamed described the explosion as "devastating".

"We have confirmed that two Turkish nationals, presumably road construction engineers are among the dead, we don't have details about whether they were passing by the area or stayed in the area," he said.

'Dead bodies scattered'

Mogadishu's mayor Omar Mohamud Mohamed told a press conference that the exact number of dead was not yet known, but that around 90 people were wounded.

"We will confirm the exact number of the number of the dead later but it is not going to be small, most of the dead were innocent university students and other civilians," he said.&nbsp;

"This was a devastating incident because there were many people including students in buses who were passing by the area when the blast occurred," said another witness, Muhibo Ahmed.

Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the area when the car bomb detonated, said the blast "destroyed several of my car windows".

"All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition."

No group has yet claimed the attack.

Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by Al-Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government.

The militant group emerged from the Islamic Courts Union that once controlled central and southern Somalia and is variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men.

In 2010, the Shabaab declared their allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

In 2011, its fighters fled positions they once held in the capital Mogadishu, and have since lost many strongholds.

But they retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities

Two weeks ago, five people were killed when Shabaab militants attacked a Mogadishu hotel popular with politicians, army officers and diplomats in an hours-long siege.

Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with 20 or more killed, 11 of which have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures.

All of them involved car bombs.

The deadliest attack in the country's history was a truck bombing in October 2017 in Mogadishu which left 512 people dead and around 295 injured.&nbsp;

A massive car bomb exploded in a busy area of Mogadishu on Saturday, leaving at least 76 people dead, many of them university students, officials said. The blast occurred at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital where traffic is heavy because of a security checkpoint and a tax office.

A massive car bomb exploded in a busy area of Mogadishu on Saturday, leaving at least 76 people dead, many of them university students, officials said. The blast occurred at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital where traffic is heavy because of a security checkpoint and a tax office. The wounded were carried on stretchers from the site, where the force of the explosion left charred and twisted remains of vehicles. Mogadishu is regularly hit by car bombings and attacks waged by Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda, but Saturday's blast is the deadliest in about two years. Many of those killed are believed to be university students whose bus was hit by the blast. Two Turkish nationals also died, police said. "The number of casualties we have confirmed is 76 dead and 70 wounded, it could still be higher," the director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP. Police officer Ibrahim Mohamed described the explosion as "devastating". "We have confirmed that two Turkish nationals, presumably road construction engineers are among the dead, we don't have details about whether they were passing by the area or stayed in the area," he said. 'Dead bodies scattered' Mogadishu's mayor Omar Mohamud Mohamed told a press conference that the exact number of dead was not yet known, but that around 90 people were wounded. "We will confirm the exact number of the number of the dead later but it is not going to be small, most of the dead were innocent university students and other civilians," he said. "This was a devastating incident because there were many people including students in buses who were passing by the area when the blast occurred," said another witness, Muhibo Ahmed. Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the area when the car bomb detonated, said the blast "destroyed several of my car windows". "All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition." No group has yet claimed the attack. Mogadishu is regularly hit by attacks by Al-Shabaab, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government. The militant group emerged from the Islamic Courts Union that once controlled central and southern Somalia and is variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men. In 2010, the Shabaab declared their allegiance to Al-Qaeda. In 2011, its fighters fled positions they once held in the capital Mogadishu, and have since lost many strongholds. But they retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities Two weeks ago, five people were killed when Shabaab militants attacked a Mogadishu hotel popular with politicians, army officers and diplomats in an hours-long siege. Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with 20 or more killed, 11 of which have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs. The deadliest attack in the country's history was a truck bombing in October 2017 in Mogadishu which left 512 people dead and around 295 injured.

Somalia: Death toll jumps to 76 in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

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