ZCZC
BFF-26
SOMALIA-ATTACK
At least 11 wounded in Somalia Al-Shabaab claimed attack
MOGADISHU, March 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – At least 11 people were wounded when gunmen set
off explosions and stormed government ministries in Somalia’s capital
Saturday in an attack claimed by the Al-Shabaab Islamist group, police said.
“There can be others inside but we have so far collected eleven people wounded in the
attack,” said Abdukadir Abdirahman Adan, director of the Aamin ambulance service in
the capital Mogadishu.
Police say the assault began when two explosions were set off near the ministries of
public works and labour.
Gunmen entered the buildings following the blasts.
“The security forces rescued many of the staff from the buildings and they are still
engaging some gunmen who managed to enter the building after the blast,” said security
commander Ahmed Adan.
It remained unclear if there were any deaths in the attack.
The attack was claimed by the Al-Shabaab Islamist group, which is fighting an armed
insurrection in Somalia against what it sees as heretic and foreign influence.
Attacks that use a combination of bombs and gunmen have become a hallmark of the
insurgents.
Earlier this month, at least 20 people died in an attack in Mogadishu which saw Al-
Shabaab jihadists battling security forces for nearly 24 hours.
The group also claimed responsibility for a March 7 car bombing near a restaurant in
the capital that killed four people.
BSS/AFP/AU/16:20 hrs