- Blast occurred close to Baledogle airfield where the US special forces have a major base.
- No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast, although Daesh affiliates are active in the region.
MOGADISHU: At least 11 people were killed in an explosion in a busy market in a small Somali city north of Mogadishu, a security official and witnesses said.
“Eleven people were confirmed dead and more than 10 others were wounded in the blast which we are still investigating, some of the victims have serious wounds and they are admitted at hospital,” Mohamed Abdikarim, a regional security official, told AFP.
Sources contacted by AFP did not yet know whether the blast was caused by a suicide bomber or an explosive device.
The blast occurred at the marketplace in the Wanlaweyn district, about 70 kilometers (around 45 miles) north of the Somali capital, where Khat (narcotic leaves) are sold.
“There was chaos at the market, a number of people died and others wounded, I saw the severed dead bodies of civilians but there were also security personnel involved in the casualties,” Mohamed Dahir, a witness said.
Wanlaweyn district is close to Baledogle airfield where the US special forces have a major base.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast, although Daesh affiliates are active in the region.