Somalia: Death toll rises to 15 in bomb attack on AMISOM base in Mogadishu, claims terrorist group al-Shabaab
The death toll in Monday’s bombing attack near an AMISOM base in Mogadishu has risen to at least 15 people, according to Radio Shabelle in Somalia.
Dozens of people also were wounded in two midday car bomb explosions that occurred at the base near the Mogadishu International Airport (Aden Adde), sending clouds of smoke that were visible for miles into the air. The Al Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The first explosion occurred at a Somali National Security Forces checkpoint, AMISOM said in a social media statement. That vehicle explosion destroyed the checkpoint, which allowed the second vehicle to pass through unchallenged at the largest AMISOM base in Somalia.
The vehicle then headed straight for Medina Gate and exploded about 200 meters from the entrance. Witnesses said the blast was followed by heavy gunfire.