Two soldiers killed and 10 other injured in landmine explosion near Bossaso

At least two soldiers were killed and 10 others seriously injured when their vehicle hit a landmine on Saturday in outskirt of the town of Bossaso, witnesses said.

The vehicle was in a convoy of 5 others carrying soldiers. It hit the landmine when the driver veered off the road to overtake other cars, a military officer who declined his name said.

“The driver was in the middle of  5 vehicles and diverted to the roadside to avoid the traffic jam. Suddenly we heard a big explosion and all the vehicles stopped,” said the officer.

He added “The five trucks were heading to Bossaso and when they reached Village near Bossaso town, an IED detonated and 10 officers sustained minor injuries.”

A witness said at least two soldiers killed and 8 Somali soldiers were wounded.

“I saw three wounded soldiers lying down. They were bleeding badly,” said local resident.

He said Somali government troops sealed off the site of the explosion and arrested several people.

Medical sources in Bossaso said two of the four soldiers injured in the blast were in serious condition.