Somalia: Dozens of fatalities following car bomb in Mogadishu December 28

Event

A government official confirmed at approximately 10:20 (local time) on Saturday, December 28, that a suicide car bomb attack in Mogadishu has left 90 people dead. However, the mayor of Mogadishu announced to press at around 10:50 that the death toll has not yet been confirmed - although it is expected to be significant. The attack took place at approximately 08:50 and targeted a taxation office on Afgoye road in a southwestern suburb of the capital. Emergency services are deployed to the scene. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Details are still emerging; avoid the area. 

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 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.