Two bombs that blasted through buildings in somalia left at least 300 people dead, and the death toll continues to climb two days later. Islamic extremists had launched a decade-long war in the African country, but the latest attack is the deadliest in the country’s history.
Despite the US counter-terrorism operations, the insurgents are still able to carry out horrendous attacks on innocent civilians.The first blast claimed the lives of several people at a busy intersection in Mogadishu, and a second bomb killed others at a nearby location.
Al-Qaeda Extremist group blamed for bombings
Al-Shabab, an extremist group linked to Al-Qaeda, is, allegedly, responsible for the deadly attacks in Somali. Towers of charred cars now replaced several buildings and an entire city block. Somalia's officials are still trying to ascertain the number of victims, as they searched for others buried in the rubble.
At the bombing site of the Safari hotel, the BBC news reported that officials were still removing bodies from the ruins. Meanwhile, the Somalia government declared three days of mourning in the country. And while the terrorist group Al-Shabab has not claimed responsibility, officials have blamed them for the recent attack.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed tweeted that the horrific attack proves that the enemy would stop at nothing to cause pain and suffering on innocent people.
The President, in his speech, told the nation to unite in the fight against terrorism.
The amount of victims overhelm medical workers
Emergency officials reported that hundreds of victims were taken to the Mogadishu’s Medina Hospital. Spokespersons at the medical facility said they are overwhelmed with the number of casualties.
Also, five volunteers of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies lost their lives while assisting victims. However, emergency workers rescued a single volunteer, Abdiasis Mohamed.
Since 2007, the African Union had 22,000 Somalian troops, and a US-led militant group battling the insurgents. The United States Military had assisted with drone strikes that succeeded in the removal of ISIS fighters from territories previously controlled by them.
However, with that success, they had failed to curb Al-Shabab's ability to launch frequent attacks in Mogadishu where they target large gatherings like restaurants, hotels, and busy marketplaces.
