At least five soldiers killed in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

A car bomb explosion in the Garasbaaley district of Mogadishu on Wednesday killed at least five government soldiers and wounded several others, according to local sources. 

The attack occurred near a Somali intelligence security checkpoint on the road between the Ma’ani and Tareedishe neighborhoods.

The militant group al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the explosion, stated that the blast targeted security forces stationed at the checkpoint. 

Government officials have not yet commented on the incident.

The attack marks the third explosion in Mogadishu within the last 30 days, reflecting a surge in violence in the capital. Earlier this month, the group killed over 37 civilians and wounded 212 in an attack at a popular beach restaurant in Mogadishu.

It was the deadliest attack in the Horn of Africa country since twin car bombs detonated near a busy market intersection in October 2022, killing at least 100 people and wounding 300 others.