Somalia: Two wounded in landmine explosion in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia- At least two civilians were wounded in a powerful landmine explosion in the Somali capital Mogadishu early on Saturday morning, Garowe Online reports.

An eyewitness confirmed to GO that the blast has resulted from a roadside bomb ripped through a minibus passing a Police security checkpoint at Ex-control Balad in Heliwa district.

The explosion sent up large black plumes of smoke that were visible throughout the area, as ambulances rushed to the scene and carried away the wounded to hospitals to receive medical treatment.

The security was tightened in the area after the government security officials cordoned off the site following the incident. No one has been arrested during the manhunt for the suspects.

"A remote controlled Improvised explosive device (IED) planted beside the road struck the vehicle near Ex-control Balad, and largely destroyed it," said, a Police officer who spoke to GO.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, however, security officials blamed the Militant group al-Shabaab for the attack on the civilian vehicle.

Roadside bombs are one of the tactics commonly used by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab after losing its main strongholds, including the capital to Somali and African Union forces since 2011.

GAROWEONLINE