MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The death toll from today’s horrific suicide bombing at Mogadishu’s Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy has risen to 30, with more than 35 others left injured, as per reports from hospitals and witnesses.
The devastating attack occurred early Monday when a lone suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest amidst military personnel and recruits from the 14th October Brigade, who were lining up after breakfast.
The aftermath was described as chaotic, with survivor Mohamed Adan recounting seeing at least 20 bodies scattered and numerous others injured as he fled the scene.
The fact that the bomber managed to infiltrate one of the most secure military bases in the capital remains a perplexing question.
A lone suicide bomber unleashed an explosion at a gathering place for new soldiers killing at least 15 recruits and left more than 30 others injured, according to witnesses.
Eyewitnesses, speaking to @KaabTV , recounted the horrifying scene as the recruits, primarily from the…
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) July 24, 2023
The 14th October Brigade holds significance as it was established to honor the victims of the deadliest terrorist attack in Africa, which occurred at Mogadishu’s Zobe junction, claiming hundreds of lives on October 14, 2017.
While mainly comprised of individuals from the Lower Shabelle region, military sources said they were brought into Mogadishu for a refresher training alongside new recruits.
The scene of the attack has been rife with confusion and distress, and as of now, the Somali Armed Forces Command has not released an official statement. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence officials have refrained from providing comments on the tragic incident.
Al-Shabaab, the extremist group notorious for its violent activities, has claimed responsibility for the Monday attack.
According to their statement, one of their members targeted a soldier in the queue, resulting in significant casualties.
The attack is part of a disturbing surge in bombings and terror assaults orchestrated by Al-Shabaab over the weekend.
In the preceding days, the country witnessed a bomb explosion at Jowhar town’s animal market, claiming the life of a Jowhar district official and injuring five others, including soldiers and civilians. Additionally, in Mogadishu’s Yaqshid district, former Hirshabelle minister of agriculture, Hassan Ahmed Muudeey, fell victim to a fatal shooting carried out by gunmen on Sunday.
The series of relentless attacks has sent shockwaves across the nation, compelling authorities to maintain a high state of alertness in the past weeks.