Suspected al-Shabab militants trigger second market fire in Mogadishu

Suspected al-Shabab militants set off explosions in the Garasbaley district of Mogadishu on Saturday morning, igniting a fire that engulfed the Tabeela Sheikh Ibrahim neighbourhood market. 

Residents reported that the explosions occurred early in the morning, destroying the market and all commercial areas. This marks the second market to be destroyed by fire following similar explosions within a week.

The attacks are believed to be linked to the recent installation of CCTV cameras in the market, a security measure ordered by the federal government. Al-Shabab militants, who have opposed the installation of these cameras, are suspected to be behind the explosions.

The latest incident follows a similar attack last week, where a series of powerful explosions triggered a massive fire at the Safa and Marwa market in the Elasha Biyaha neighbourhood, about 15 km south of Mogadishu.

The continued attacks on markets highlight the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in the region, as they target efforts by the government to enhance security measures.