Somalia: Death toll reaches 76 following car bomb in Mogadishu on December 28 /update 1

Event

According to Aamin Ambulance Service, the death toll from a car bomb explosion in the capital Mogadishu on Saturday, December 28, has reached at least 76 with several others wounded as of 15:00 (local time). Turkey's foreign ministry confirmed the death of two of its nationals. The attack took place at approximately 08:50 and targeted a taxation office 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 in the coming 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 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.