​Somalia: Landmine explosions kill at least 7 soldiers near Baidoa

BAIDOA, Somalia- At least 7 soldiers were reported to have been killed, several wounded in land mine explosions targeted military convoy near Baidoa town on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

The militant group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the two roadside blasts, through a statement posted on its affiliated website, saying it killed several Somali and Ethiopian soldiers.

The first bomb struck a convoy traveling from Wajid district in Bakol region to Baidoa, the capital town of Bay region, killing at least four and injuring several others, according to the group's statement.

The second IED explosion targeted an army personnel carrier ferrying Southwest state troops at Goofgaduud area, located about 35 kilometers north of Baidoa town, leaving three Soldiers dead.

The wounded soldiers, some with life-threatening injuries sustained in the blasts were rushed to Bay regional hospital to receive medical treatment, according to the state officials and medics.

Southwest administration and the African Union mission (AMISOM) did not comment on the attack. The group often exaggerates death tolls in its assaults.

Al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab carries out sporadic deadly attacks against Somali national army and AMISOM, as it has been waging an insurgency war against the Somalia's internationally backed government.

GAROWEONLINE