Somalia: IED explosion injures multiple outside Mogadishu November 25

Event

At least four people were wounded after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on Wednesday, November 25, along the Mogadishu-Afgooye highway in the Elasha Biyaha area (Lower Shabelle region), outside of Mogadishu. Police officers and security forces were reportedly among those injured. Unconfirmed media sources suggest that the officers targeted were providing protection for workers constructing the highway linking Mogadishu and Afgoye. There have been reports of gunfire. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but Al-Shabaab militants frequently carry out attacks against government troops in the area.

Localized disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the area following the incident. Further attacks are likely in the region in the medium term.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large areas of southern and central 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

Advice

Those in the area are advised to remain vigilant, avoid the area, anticipate associated disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.