Members of Somalia’s group al-Shabab. (Press TV)
A market bomb blast killed 12 people at a vegetable market in Somalia today. The Al Shabab terror network took credit.
The AP reported:
A blast rocked a vegetable market in Somalia’s third-largest city, killing at least twelve people and wounding at least 30, officials said Monday, and the country’s top militant group claimed responsibility.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali slammed the group for the bombing.
“What they did was contrary to Islam and our culture … We are committed to clear (Al Shabab) out of the country.”
Baidoa police officer Abdullahi Ahmed said the blast was caused by a roadside bomb, while witness Nur Yusuf said the bomb was concealed in a thermos placed along the street where he sells vegetables.
“So far, we know eight people died and fifteen others were injured,” Ahmed said. “The death toll may rise, but it was a cowardly attack targeting civilians — we have arrested one suspect after the blast.”
Eyewitness Fadumo Haji said she saw the carnage.
“They killed innocent and poor people,” she said.
The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. Baidoa was a major base for the group until Ethiopian troops and Somali soldiers seized the key town in February.
“The explosion has targeted Ethiopians and their apostate companions,” the group said in a statement posted on its website.
