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On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021.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On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021.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

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said.&nbsp;

Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast.

So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office.&nbsp;

"I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion.

Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows.

"All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition."

Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by&nbsp;Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda.

The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries&nbsp;attacks in neighbouring Kenya.&nbsp;

A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured.

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said. Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast. So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack. The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office. "I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion. Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows. "All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition." Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda. The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries attacks in neighbouring Kenya. A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.

Somalia: Death toll jumps to 61 in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops.&nbsp;

Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Locusts already ate our grazing area so we are now fighting to save at least our farm, where we planted watermelon and beans. We aren't able to protect them and we call on the Somali government and international community to help us", said Jamad Mohamed, a farmer in Dhusamareb, the provincial capital of Galgadud, a semi-autonomous region.

"Locusts devoured the whole area and have now reached our farm to eat our plants, as you can see," said Jirow Qorhere, another Somali farmer. "This is the end, we have nothing left to feed our children and we aren’t even able to buy from the market."

According to sources, the insects have destroyed 175,000 acres of farmland in Somalia and neighbouring Ethiopia. This has put their food supplies under threat. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) called it the worst locust invasion in 70 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops. Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported.

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops. Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported. "Locusts already ate our grazing area so we are now fighting to save at least our farm, where we planted watermelon and beans. We aren't able to protect them and we call on the Somali government and international community to help us", said Jamad Mohamed, a farmer in Dhusamareb, the provincial capital of Galgadud, a semi-autonomous region. "Locusts devoured the whole area and have now reached our farm to eat our plants, as you can see," said Jirow Qorhere, another Somali farmer. "This is the end, we have nothing left to feed our children and we aren’t even able to buy from the market." According to sources, the insects have destroyed 175,000 acres of farmland in Somalia and neighbouring Ethiopia. This has put their food supplies under threat. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) called it the worst locust invasion in 70 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Locust invasion in Somalia threatens livelihoods of farmers

Over the next six months, more than 100 000 hectares of land will require direct control interventions in Somalia. #Somalia #Locust #Africa

Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-terror-attack-can-india-respond-like-israel-197942">attack </a>on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats.

"Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement.

"The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly".

Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion.

They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace.

After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details.

The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed".

Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda&nbsp;was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu.

The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya.

The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings.

Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan.

"It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added,

Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began.

"I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed.

"The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who."

Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall.

In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people.

Then in August of the same year, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-in-suicide-car-bomb-attack--on-security-checkpoint-in-iraq-162275">suicide car bomb attack</a> on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege. The attack on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats. "Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement. "The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly". Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion. They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace. After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details. The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed". Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu. The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya. The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings. Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan. "It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added, Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began. "I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed. "The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who." Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall. In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people. Then in August of the same year, a suicide car bomb attack on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five killed in jihadist attack on Somali hotel

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