Somalia: Explosion near a hotel in Jowhar, July 17 /update 1

Event

An explosion was reported near the Hotel Nur Doob in Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle, located north of Mogadishu, July 17. Initial reports suggest that a car bomb caused the blast. Various sources have indicated that the explosion resulted in an unspecified number of casualties and caused damage in the impacted location.

Heightened security is likely near the blast site in the coming hours. The incident and response could disrupt road travel and business operations in the surrounding area.

Advice

Avoid the blast site. Heed the instructions of security officials. Plan for disruptions in the impacted location. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.