Somalia: Car bomb detonates in Mogadishu August 4

Event

A suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) exploded near the Ambassador Hotel, located near the KM4 junction, in the capital city of Mogadishu on Friday, August 4. The attack occurred at approximately 18:55 (local time). Initial reports indicate that at least four people were killed and six wounded in the blast. The death toll is likely to rise in the coming hours as more details are released. Avoid the area.

Context

Al-Shabaab is suspected of carrying out the attack. Local source suggest that the bombing may be in retaliation for a US airstrike that killed Mohamed Hussein (also known as Ali Jabal), the group’s “shadow governor” for Mogadishu, on July 30. US defense officials confirmed that Hussein had died from the strike on August 4.

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 UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals in Mogadishu are advised to avoid the area of the attack 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.