Somalia Attack

Twin suicide bombings targeting Somalia's military kill at least 10

Police in Somalia say two suicide car bombers killed at least 10 people early Wednesday when they targeted a military facility in a region at the heart of the government's offensive against al-Shabab extremists. The attack occurred in the Mahaas district of Hiran region after the dawn prayer. It was loud and heard all across the town, resident Osman Abdullahi told The Associated Press. I have rescued several people wounded in the attack, including soldiers and journalists who were embedded with soldiers. Police official Mahad Abdulle told the AP the vehicles exploded in a neighbourhood full of civilians and that at least 10 people were killed. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. Mahaas is at the centre of the ongoing government offensive against al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked group of thousands of fighters that has controlled parts of central and southern Somalia for years. The government has vowed to defeat it this year. The Somali army, together with local militias,

Al-Shabab extremist group attacks hotel in Somali capital Mogadishu

The extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility Sunday for an unfolding armed attack on a hotel in the Somali capital. Al-Shabab said in a broadcast on its own radio frequency Sunday that said its fighters attacked the hotel Villa Rose, which has a restaurant popular with government and security officials. The hotel isn't far from the presidential palace in central Mogadishu, where a blast was heard, followed by gunfire. There was no immediate word on any casualties. Such militant attacks are common in Mogadishu and other parts of the Horn of Africa nation. Al-Shabab opposes Somalia's federal government, which is backed by African Union peacekeepers, and seeks to take power and enforce a strict version of Sharia law.

India condemns Somalia bombings, asks world to unite against terrorism

India on Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Somalia's capital Mogadishu that left at least 100 people dead and urged the international community to stand united and resolute in combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. "India strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mogadishu on October 29 that have claimed many innocent lives," an External Affairs Ministry statement said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish speedy recovery to those injured in the twin blasts," it said. "This attack again reminds the international community to stand united and resolute in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as it remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security," the statement said. At least 100 people were killed in Saturday's two car bombings at a busy junction in Mogadishu, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, expressing fear that the toll could rise. Somalia's government

Two car explosions rock Somalia's capital, leaving 'scores' dead: Police

Two car bombs exploded Saturday at a busy junction in Somalia's capital near key government offices, leaving scores of civilian casualties, police told state media. The attack came five years after a massive blast at the same location. The Somalia National News Agency cited national police spokesman Sadiq Dodishe on the toll. The attack in Mogadishu occurred on a day when the president, prime minister and other senior officials were meeting to discuss combating violent extremism, especially by the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab group that often targets the capital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. An Associated Press journalist at the scene saw many bodies and said they appeared to be civilians traveling on public transport. He said the second blast occurred in front of a busy restaurant. Images from the scene showed crushed tuk-tuks and other vehicles. The director of the Aamin ambulance service told the AP they had collected many wounded or killed. One of the ...

Mumbai police receive message about avoiding 'Somalia-type' attack

The traffic helpline of Mumbai Police has received a WhatsApp message from an international number advising the force to take care to avoid a "Somalia-type attack" in India, an official said on Friday. Last week the traffic helpline number had received several messages threatening of another "26/11-like" attack in the city. The latest message did not issue any threat but police are investigating its source, the official said. Terror group Al-Shabaab recently attacked the Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. The message, though, did not make it clear which incident in the African country it was referring to.

26 dead, 56 injured in suicide bombing and gun attack on Somali hotel

AFP confirmed with family members that at least four of the dead had dual nationality

Somalia's New Army Chief Mohamed Ahmed Jimale survives car bomb killing 13

Somalia's Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack