Somalia: Car bombing reported in Afgooye near Mogadishu January 18

Event

According to police officials, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) targeting Turkish contractors detonated in Afgooye, 25 km (15 mi) northwest of the capital Mogadishu on Saturday, January 18. The death toll has not been confirmed. 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 next several hours.

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 Somalia 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.