14 Jun 2017 | 08:22 PM UTC
Somalia: Militants storm restaurant in Mogadishu June 14
Local sources report that militants are attacking a restaurant in the Hodan district of Mogadishu on the night of June 14; avoid the area
Event
Local sources reported that an explosion and possible attack in the Hodan district of Mogadishu on the night of Wednesday, June 14. According to initial reports, an explosion occurred in the KM5 area near the Banadir Hospital and the Posh Treats restaurant. There are unconfirmed reports of gun fire in the area. The number of casualties remains unclear as of 20:02 (local time) but local sources said that at least eight people have been wounded or killed. Avoid the area.
Context
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. 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
Individuals in Mogadishu are advised to avoid the area of the blast and to monitor the situation.
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.
