Residents in shock after a bomb killed mom and infant in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A deadly bomb explosion last Monday of this week have put residents of Somalia's Lower Juba in a state of shock. Fear and hopelessness are spreading throughout the region.

This came after at least seven people were killed by a landmine in Southern Somalia in one of the latest suspected terrorist attack, which targeted innocent civilians in the country, as the Horn of Africa nation struggles to stamp authority in maintaining peace and stability

Among those killed in the deadly explosion were a mom and her infant after a passenger bus was hit by the landmine between Tabta and Dhobley towns in Lower Jubba, a region known for frequent Al-Shabaab attacks despite the heavy presence of security forces in the country.

Reports indicate that the passenger bus left the port city of Kismayo and was on its way to Dhobley near the Kenyan border when the landmine explosion occurred. Despite the fact that Al-Shabaab remains active in the region, no group is yet to take responsibility for the attack.

The incident is still an indication that the country still remains polarised by the frequent Al-Shabaab attacks which have paralyzed operations in the country in as many years. It coincided with the first anniversary of the Mogadishu bombing which left over 90 people dead in 2019.

Parts of the Lower Jubba is manned by the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] from Sector II under Brig. Paul Njema joined the AMISOM team this year. Kenya still has a heavy presence of troops in Somalia despite the soaring relationship between the two nations, which is orchestrated by the ongoing diplomatic spat.

The KDF team has managed to streamline the administration of the region by working closely with the Jubaland security forces despite resistance from the federal government. Al-Shabaab militants still remain a threat to stability to Somalia despite the concerted efforts from the multi-agency security teams.

Monday's incident came hours before the Somali military court handed down jail sentences to three Al-Shabaab members on Tuesday. They include Deka Mohamed Qayliye [15-yrs], Abdikarim Mohamud [3 yrs], and Mohamed Siid Ali [20-yrs].

GAROWE ONLINE