Somalia: Deadly Explosion Hits Military Recruitment Facility In Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia – At least 11 people were killed on Saturday morning in a powerful suicide bombing at the Damaanyo military recruitment center in Mogadishu, where hundreds of young men had lined up to enlist in Somalia’s federal armed forces.

The explosion, which could be heard across various parts of the capital, struck as crowds gathered at the facility. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, transported the wounded estimated 20 people, to hospitals across Mogadishu.

Casualty figures could rise as several are in critical condition. Somali authorities, including the Ministry of Defense, have yet to comment publicly, and police did not speak on the incident at the time of reporting.

It is not immediately clear how the suicide attacker managed to breach security and detonate explosives inside the heavily guarded facility. Similar attacks have previously targeted military and police installations in Somalia, often resulting in high casualties among personnel.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes amid a fragile security situation despite recent efforts by the government to stabilize the capital, which faces a threat from Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE