14 dead in stadium bomb attack in central Somalia
GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALKAAYO: At least 14 people among them senior military officials were killed Friday in a suicide bomb attack at a stadium in Galkaayo, central Somalia. More than 10 others were injured.
Among those confirmed dead are General Abdiaziz Qooje the commander of the 21st Division of Somali National Army in Galmudug, Major Mukhtar Abdi Aden the Danab Special Forces 10th Brigade commander and his deputy Ahmed Barafe. Former north Galkaayo governor Mohamud Tumey among other officials was also killed.
The attack happened shortly ahead of the arrival of Prime Minister Mohamed Roble who was to address a rally at Abdullahi Isse stadium.
Leaders across the political divide and the international community have condemned the attack which was claimed by the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Meanwhile, major parts of Mogadishu are today on lockdown ahead of the burial of some of the victims of the attack. Major roads are sealed off with very minimal traffic in most parts of the city.