Security forces confiscate truck ladden with explosives in Mudug region

A truck load loaded with explosives and military uniform has been confiscated on Friday by the security forces in the semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland.

Four occupants have arrested in Bayra village of Mudug region after the lorry was stopped at checkpoint for checking.

The bomb disposal experts defused the explosives inside the car that was later taken to a police station.

A security officer in Bayra village said that the security forces seized the vehicle with explosive devices after arresting the suspect who is now being interrogated.

“Security forces successfully foiled a planned suicide car bomb attack. officers seized the vehicle filled with explosive devices and arrested four Al-Shabaab  suspects,” said the officer.

Last Wednesday, Al-Shabaab stormed International Village Hotel in Bossaso town, killing four guards, while two of the attackers also died in the gunfire.

Al-Shabaab has been targeting government bases and social gathering places, mainly hotels, in town across Somalia.

Until 2011, Al-Shabaab controlled most of Somalia including the capital, Mogadishu.

In the past two years, African Union and Somali government forces have forced Al- Shabaab out of important urban strongholds but it remains active from bases in rural areas.