Somalia: Death toll rises to 81 following car bomb in Mogadishu December 30 /update 2

Event

On Monday, December 30, the Somali government announced that the death toll from the car bomb explosion in Mogadishu on Saturday, December 28, has reached 81, including two Turkish nationals. An estimated 25 people are still missing. The attack took place at approximately 08:50 (local time), in which a taxation office was targeted on Mogadishu-Afgoye Road in the southwestern suburb of the capital. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of the incident over the coming days.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to exercise effective control over 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 West and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

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

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.