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At least 20 killed and 15 injured in Mogadishu blast as Egypt voices support for Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
Egypt has strongly condemned a deadly suicide bombing that took place at the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, on Sunday. The explosion killed at least 20 people and injured 15 others.
The attack happened when a group of young recruits was waiting in line to register at the base. According to eyewitnesses, a young man joined the queue, pretending to be one of the recruits. Moments later, he detonated explosives he had on him, causing a powerful blast.
A survivor of the attack told local media that the bomber “seemed off, but no one had the chance to react,” describing the chaos that followed. The explosion left many dead and injured, with emergency services rushing to the scene to help the victims.
The militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing. Al-Shabaab is an extremist group linked to al-Qaeda that has been fighting against the Somali government for years. The group often targets military bases, government buildings, and public areas in an effort to weaken the country’s institutions and spread fear.
In response to the bombing, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life. The statement also shared condolences with the families of the victims and the people of Somalia.
Egypt said it stands in solidarity with Somalia during this difficult time. The statement also emphasized Egypt’s support for Somali national institutions, especially the military and security forces. Egypt highlighted the importance of strengthening Somalia’s ability to fight terrorism and regain full control of its territory.
This deadly bombing comes at a time when Somalia is already facing several security challenges. Just a day before the attack, a Somali army commander, Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale, was assassinated in the Hiiraan region. He was reportedly targeted by the same militant group, Al-Shabaab.
Earlier in March, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also survived an assassination attempt believed to be carried out by Al-Shabaab. These events show the ongoing threat that terrorism poses to Somalia’s stability.
For over a decade, Al-Shabaab has carried out violent attacks in Somalia. The group aims to overthrow the government and impose its strict version of Islamic law. Despite efforts by Somali forces and international allies, Al-Shabaab remains a powerful threat.
The attack on the Damanyo military base is a major blow to Somalia’s efforts to build up its armed forces. Young recruits who join the military are often motivated by the hope of helping their country achieve peace and security. But such attacks create fear and discourage many from signing up.
In its message, Egypt called on the international community to increase support for Somalia, especially in areas like counter-terrorism, military training, and rebuilding state institutions. The country stressed that strong partnerships and international cooperation are essential to help Somalia defeat terrorism and restore stability.
Somalia continues to face serious challenges, including political instability, poverty, and a long-running insurgency. Despite these difficulties, the Somali people and government have shown resilience. They continue to fight back against extremists and push for a peaceful future.
The suicide bombing in Mogadishu is a tragic reminder of the violence Somalia still faces. It also highlights the urgent need for regional and global support to help the country recover and protect its people.