Somalia: Large explosion reported in central Mogadishu May 8

Event

A large explosion rocked central Mogadishu shortly before 18:00 (local time) on Monday, May 8. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the blast was caused by a car bomb on Makkah Almukarramah Avenue, near a coffee shop and across from the immigration directorate in the city. Multiple casualties have been reported, with early reports indicating at least two people dead and ten injured, although these numbers are likely to rise as more information becomes available. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but Al-Shabaab is suspected.

Context

Mogadishu frequently experiences attacks by Al-Shabaab, which continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and United Nations-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise their citizens against all travel to Somalia; professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.