One Killed, Two Injured In Landmine Blast at Construction Site in Beledweyne

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BELEDWEYNE: At least one person has been killed and two others injured after a landmine exploded at a construction site in Beledweyne, the capital of Somalia’s Hiiraan region.

The blast occurred on Wednesday morning in the Buundo Weyn neighbourhood as construction workers were preparing and arranging equipment at the site, according to local reports.

The explosion caused casualties among people at the site, while security forces from the federal government and local police moved to the area and began investigations.

Authorities are seeking to establish the type of explosive used and how the device came to be placed at the construction site.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Beledweyne has experienced periodic attacks and insecurity linked to Somalia’s conflict with al-Shabaab, although there was no immediate indication that the group was responsible for Wednesday’s explosion.

Landmines and other explosive devices remain a threat in parts of Somalia, particularly in areas affected by years of conflict. They can pose risks to civilians, construction workers and communities even when there is no active fighting nearby.

Security officials have not yet released further details about the circumstances of the blast or whether additional explosive devices were found at the scene.

The incident comes as Somali security forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, including parts of Hiiraan region, where the militant group has maintained a presence.