Twin suicide car bombs claimed by the Al-Qaeda aligned Shabaab insurgent group wounded nine people Monday at the entrance to Mogadishu’s fortified airport and a nearby hotel, officials said.
The explosion took place soon after Uganda’s army chief Gen Katumba Wamala arraived in Somalia to visit the country’s troops, part of the AMISOM contingent.
CDF praised the implementation of quick impact projects, an effort by AMISOM 2 provide essential services in areas liberated from #AlShabaab pic.twitter.com/EEBi8idVk4
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) January 2, 2017
DSRCC Hon. Lydia Wanyoto updated Gen. Wamala on the ongoing electoral process, & security arrangements in place 2 ensure a smooth transition pic.twitter.com/AWTQflrtcV
— AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) January 2, 2017
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The first blast occurred at the Medina Gate entrance to Mogadishu airport, home to the UN, aid agencies and foreign missions and contractors as well as the headquarters of the African Union military mission, AMISOM.
Soon afterwards another, larger vehicle exploded outside the Peace Hotel, popular with foreign visitors to Somalia.
On his visit, Gen. Wamala wants Somali leaders to fast-track security sector reforms and rebuilding of the national army, to take over security from AMISOM.