Somali security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack in the central town of Beledweyne yesterday.
Police Officer Sirad Omar, in a statement to the local media, revealed that the security forces intercepted a suicide bomber carrying an explosive bag just moments before he attempted to trigger a blast.
“The police ordered him to halt, but he threw the bag and fled,” he added.
The explosive was left at the entrance of a popular restaurant near the Liqliqato Bridge in the bustling Howlwadag neighbourhood, a frequent meeting spot for traditional elders and military officials.
According to Officer Omar, the explosion did not result in any casualties. However, it did cause damage to nearby buildings, and reports suggest that the perpetrator managed to evade capture amid the ensuing chaos. Despite launching a search operation, the security forces have yet to apprehend any suspects.
Last October, in the same central Somali town of Beledweyne, at least 20 people were killed and 36 others injured in triple explosions. The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Currently, Beledweyne is struggling with severe flooding. Since early May, floodwaters have submerged the capital of Hiiraan, impacting over 200,000 people and causing approximately 79% of the town to be flooded, as per the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) unit of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
