Afgoye police foil terror plot after seizing rickshaw ladened with explosives

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Security forces in Afgoye district of Lower Shabelle region intercepted a rickshaw on Saturday carrying massive explosive materials to an unknown destination; probably to the capital, where they would be used to harm the Somali people.

Speaking to State Agency SONNA, Somali Police Spokesperson Gen. Anod confirmed the incident, saying the rickshaw developed mechanical problems at a checkpoint in Afgoye, 30 kilometers west of Mogadishu, where it attracted the attention of police officers stationed nearby.

A brief inspection of the rickshaw revealed the explosive devices safely tucked at the back of the three-wheeled vehicle. A bomb squad was immediately deployed to the scene, where they carefully removed the device and disabled it.

Two occupants, believed to be members of the Khawarij militant group, were immediately uncuffed by sleuths and taken to custody to await terrorism charges.

At least 120 people were killed and more than 300 wounded late in October after Khawarij militants sneaked into the city in two cars ladened with bombs. Yesterday’s seizure by super-alert security officers prevented yet another catastrophe that would have befallen the Somali people.