ZCZC
BFF-29
SOMALIA-BLAST
At least 25 people killed in twin blasts in central Somalia
MOGADISHU, Nov 26, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – At least 25 people were killed and
several others injured early Monday after suspected al-Shabab militants
detonated a car bomb and later stormed the residence of a cleric in Galkayo
in central Somalia, police and local residents said.
Police officer Mohamed Abdi in Galkayo told Xinhua that the car bomb
rammed into the gate of the center and then gunmen stormed in.
“After the car exploded in front of the gate, gunmen gained entry into the
center killing the cleric and his followers, we have information that over 25
people died in the attack,” Abdi said
The cleric which was identified as Sheikh Abdiweli Ali Elmi sparked
controversy recently after al-Shabab accused him of insulting Prophet
Mohammad.
Residents said that they heard huge blasts from the religious center.
“We heard blasts and gunfire, many people were killed in the place,” Amina
Ahmed, a resident, told Xinhua.
Security forces from the state of Galmudug ended siege at the cleric’s
camp.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that they targeted
the camp of cleric Elmi in Galkayo town.
BSS/XINHUA/FI/ 1535 hrs