Somalia: Roadside bombs target AU vehicles in Mogadishu August 8

Event

A pair of roadside bombs detonated in Mogadishu on Wednesday, August 8, wounding two people. The explosions reportedly targeted African Union (AU) vehicles near SOS junction at around 11:30 (local time). Security forces cordoned off the area following the incident.

Though no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Al-Shabaab militants regularly target security forces in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia and are suspected of carrying out the bombings. Additional roadside-bomb attacks are possible in Mogadishu in the near-term.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in Mogadishu. 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

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.