Somalia: Pair of car bombs kill and wound two in Mogadishu September 22

Event

A pair of car bombs detonated near the center of Mogadishu on Saturday, September 22, killing one person and wounding another. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attacks which reportedly targeted a member of the police. Similar 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

Individuals in Somalia, and particularly those in Mogadishu, are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.