Six people killed in landmine explosion in Lower Shabelle region

At least six bodies of people who perished in a deadly roadside land mine explosion have been identified while others burned beyond recognition are yet to be identified, a witness has said.

A minibus travelling from Walmoy location in the Lower Shabelle region on its way to Bal’ad town Sunday hit a landmine in Dani location blowing up before it was engulfed by fire.

Residents rushed to the scene to rescue the passengers but the fire was intense, locals said. One of the witnesses told Goobjoog News they had so far identified six bodies. Others could not be easily identified since body parts were strewn over the place, he said.

“The explosion occurred in the outskirt of Dani Ballow location and the vehicle was a minibus and 6 people died; both male and female. They were dealers in green vegetables.” Bal’ad administration has not spoken yet about but the local farmers have provided rescue to the incident and the vehicle is totally destroyed and beyond recognition. The area is under those men [Alshabab]” a resident who did not want to be named for security reasons told Goobjoog News.

The explosion which comes barely a week after a truck bomb killed over 300 people is said could have been targeting a military vehicle.

The incident comes amid the removal of Bal’ad commissioner Osman Mohamed Mohamud Haddole and the appointment of Kassim Ali Noor Furdug just 3 days ago in a state presidential decree who pledged to restore full security in the area.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.