Somalia: UAE Ambassador survives car bomb attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 25, 2015 (Garowe Online)-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al Othmani has survived an attempt on his life by Al Shabaab suicide bomber on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

A car packed full of explosives hit a vehicle convoy carrying Al Othmani near Tarabunka, leaving at least 12 including security escorts and civilians dead.

Al Shabaab immediately claimed credit for the suicide attack, saying they targeted an enemy in volatile Mogadishu.

UAE envoy, Ambassador Al Othmani was reportedly in a bulletproof car in the motorcade.

The Gulf nation stepped up involvement in war-torn Somalia for the first time in over two decades.

UAE donated large consignment of military aid to Somalia, and has launched a modern hospital and training facility in Mogadishu.  

GAROWE ONLINE