Everything we know about the “deadly” Mogadishu bomb blast in Somalia

A massive bomb attack in a busy area of the Somali capital, Mogadishu Saturday is now known to have killed at least 276 people, police say.

In bits:

  • A lorry ladened with explosives was detonated near the entrance of a hotel at Zoobe junction, injuring hundreds more.
  • It has been described as the worst single explosion in the East African country since the Islamist al-Shabab group launched its insurgency in 2007.
  • The area is a bustling area of the city with many shops, hotels and offices.
  • President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” Mohamed blamed the attack on them, calling it a “heinous act”.
  • Brothers, this cruel act was targeted at civilians who were going about their business,” the president said.
  • He has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the blast.

Other details:

  • Police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP news agency the death toll was likely to rise. “There are more than 300 wounded, some of them seriously,” he said.
  • Officials also confirmed that two people were killed in a second bomb attack in the Madina district of the city.
  • Mogadishu’s Mayor, Thabit Abdi called for unity while addressing a crowd of people who had gathered to protest.
  • Oh, people of Mogadishu, Mogadishu shouldn’t be a graveyard for burnt dead bodies,” he said.
  • Mogadishu is a place of respect, and if we remain united like we are today, moving ahead, we will surely defeat the enemy, Allah willing.”

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