According to police, more than 20 people have been killed in a self-suicide in centre of Somali capital Mogadishu. According to a representative of security authorities, a truck laden with explosives exploded on a busy street in front of a hotel popular with government employees, journalists and Somalis returning from abroad.
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Most of killed were civilians, said policeman Mohamed Dahir. In addition, around 40 people were injured. The number of deaths could refore continue to rise. Many more people would still suspected of collapsed buildings, said a police officer.
The explosion caused massive damage to surrounding buildings, reported a reporter of dpa news agency, which was in vicinity at time of attack. The situation was chaotic and confusing.
At first it was unclear who was responsible for attack. In Somaliaund, especially in Mogadishu, re are repeated attacks by extremist group al-Shabaab (“The Young people”). The militant Sunnis associated with al-Qaeda terrorist network want to establish a so-called God state with a strict interpretation of Islamic law in country in Horn of Africa. They control some rural regions.
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Since fall of ruler Siad Barre 1991, re is no functioning central government in Horn of Africa. A 22,000-strong African Union force (AU) is supporting Somali armed forces in fight against group. In year 2011, y expelled al-Shabaab from Mogadishu. Since n, militia have been committing suicide attacks, often in or in front of hotels, cafes and restaurants that are popular with foreigners and wealthy Somalis.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, acting since February, declared war on al-Shabaab militia in early April. In addition, Abdullahi Mohamed exchanged Chiefs VonArmee, police and secret services. He called on population to support DieArmee in fight against Islamists.
The US military has intensified its drone attacks against Al-Shabaab militia in spring. In addition, a dozen US-American soldiers are to train Somali soldiers on site.
