Terror strikes Mogadishu: Suicide bomber kills 13, wounds 21 at military camp

The streets of Mogadishu were once again stained with blood as a suicide bomber infiltrated the Damanyo military camp, targeting young recruits eager to serve their country. The explosion ripped through the crowd, killing at least 13 people and leaving 21 others wounded. Witnesses described the scene as pure chaos, with bodies scattered and survivors desperately seeking shelter.

This attack is yet another grim reminder of the relentless violence plaguing Somalia. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab extremist group has waged an insurgency for over a decade, repeatedly striking military and government sites. The bomber, disguised as a recruit, waited patiently in line before detonating his explosives. The blast was so powerful that it claimed the lives of five civilian passersby, adding to the growing toll of innocent victims.

The reality is stark. Somalia remains a battleground where extremists exploit instability to spread terror. The government has struggled to contain al-Shabab’s influence, despite ongoing military operations. Just two years ago, a similar attack at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy killed 25 soldiers and wounded 70. The cycle of violence continues, with no clear end in sight.

The wounded were rushed to hospitals, where medical staff worked tirelessly to save lives. Reports indicate that some victims suffered critical injuries, with head and abdominal wounds requiring immediate surgery. The attack has once again raised concerns about security lapses at military facilities, where recruits should be protected, not slaughtered.

Sources:

https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5144382-suicide-attacker-somali-capital-kills-13-military-recruitment-center

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/africa/mogadishu-suicide-bomber-kills-least-10-army-recruitment-drive-rcna207534

https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/InjuredtreatedafteradeadlysuicideattackatamilitaryrecruitmentcentreintheSomalicapital/88f21b54c0344ad187a6d1e1a97ba6f4/video