23 Oct 2017 | 05:43 PM UTC
Somalia: Eight killed in landmine explosion Lower/Middle Shabelle Oct. 22
Landmine explosion near border of Lower and Middle Shabelle regions leaves at least eight people dead on October 22
Event
A landmine explosion left at least eight people dead and six others wounded in Somalia on Sunday, October 22. According to local security officials, the victims of the blast, mainly female farmers, were killed when their minibus struck the landmine near Daniga village, west of Bal'ad town in Middle Shabelle region. The territory is controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Context
While no group has yet claimed the landmine attack, Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country and attacks from the group are frequent in Somalia, including in the capital. 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. Al-Shabaab is believed to be behind the devastating October 14 attack on Mogadishu, which left over 350 people dead.
Advice
Individuals present in Somalia are advised to avoid the affected area and to monitor developments to the situation.
Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout the country are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.
