Wednesday January 4, 2023
Beledweyne (HOL) - According to reports from the Mahaas area in the Hiran region, two suicide explosions occurred early Wednesday morning, killing at least 15 people and wounding scores more.
According to a resident, the blast killed over a dozen people and caused severe property damage. The witness added that most victims were from a single family who lost 10 out of 11 members.
Two Toyota Surf SUV vehicles believed to have been used in the suicide bomb attack are said to have entered Mahaas from the Wahbo area in Galgadud, which was taken over by government forces from Al Shabab militants before withdrawing again in mid-November.
The first blast targeted a house where government officials leading operations against Al Shabaab were believed to have been staying. However, officials were not present at the time of the blast.
Although no one has claimed responsibility for the incident, the violent militant insurgency Al Shabaab is suspected.
The extremist organization is suspected of carrying out two kidnappings in the Hiiraan area this week. The gang kidnapped nine victims in a carjacking-ambush incident on Friday before kidnapping another 20 people on Monday.