On Friday, November 9th 2018, a series of car bombs, including suicide car bombings, in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, left 58 killed and over 100 injured.
It was reported that 21 victims were pronounced dead at the scene whilst the remainder died in hospital.
The attack took place outside the Sahafi Hotel and near the Central Investigation Department headquarters at around 4pm. At least two suicide car bombs were involved in the attack, followed by a further bomb targeting first responders.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. Further armed attackers tried to enter the hotel but were killed outside.
Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) monitors civilian casualties from explosive violence reported in English-language media sources worldwide.
Somalia saw 451 civilian casualties from explosive violence in the first nine months of 2018. Of these, 405 were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) – 265 from suicide bombings alone.
Despite a 31% decrease in civilian casualties from explosive violence in Somalia during the first nine months of 2018, compared to the same period the previous year, it is clear the al Shabaab retains the ability to carry out devastating attacks in the country.
AOAV calls for states and international organisations to work collaboratively to generate greater awareness of the number of civilians killed and injured each year by IEDs, and encourage a greater stigma from political, religious and social leaders on the use of IEDs. There is an urgent need for preventative measures to be implemented by States and the international community.
Did you find this story interesting? Please support AOAV's work and donate.
Donate