By Ebi Kesiena
The death toll from Wednesday double car bombing claimed by radical Islamists Al-Shabab, in central Somalia has climbed to 19.
Recall that we had earlier reported that at least 10 persons were killed in two separate car bombs, Read here.https://www.theheritagetimes.com/somalia-al-shabaab-militants-kill-ten-persons-in-car-bombs/
A police spokesman said the vehicles exploded in a neighbourhood full of civilians just after the dawn prayer.
According to witnesses, several people were wounded in the attack in Hiran region, including soldiers and journalists who were embedded with them.
Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mahas is at the centre of the ongoing government offensive against the al-Qaida-linked group that has controlled parts of central and southern Somalia for years.
The Somali army, together with local militias, recently opened a key supply route to Mahas after it had long been under siege.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vowed in July last year that his government would launch a “total war” against the extremist fighters.
In addition to the support of local militias, the authorities can count on the African Union’s mission ATMIS and American strikes as they fight the insurgents.
