Somalia: Explosion results in casualties on outskirts of Marka, Lower Shebelle Province, July 2

Event

Reports indicate that a roadside bomb exploded on the outskirts of Marka (Merca), capital of Lower Shebelle Province July 2. The blast targeted a security personnel convoy, killing at least five Ugandan troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and wounding an unknown number more. Officials may revise casualty numbers in the coming hours. No group has claimed the attack. The Al-Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Marka is located approximately 109 km (68 miles) southwest of Mogadishu.

Heightened security is likely in the impact area in the coming hours. The emergency response could result in localized ground travel delays.

Advice

Avoid the impact site. Heed the directives of the authorities. Plan for localized ground travel delays.