Deadly blast at Somali theater mars Mogadishu's budding peace
(Read article summary)At least 10 people were killed in a suicide bombing at Somalia's national theater in Mogadishu. The capital of the wartorn country had been experiencing a revival of sorts.
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At least 10 people were killed and dozens were wounded in a suicide bombing at Somalia's national theater in Mogadishu, marring the relative peace that the city has been experiencing as of late after years of conflict.
The Islamic militant group Al Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place during a high-profile event celebrating the first anniversary of Somalia's new national television broadcaster, reports Reuters. Al Shabab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said that the attack was aimed at government officials, including the prime minister, who was in attendance. "We were behind the theater blast. We targeted the infidel ministers and legislators, and they were the casualties of today," he said.
Among those reportedly killed in the attack were the Somali Olympic Committee president, Aden Yabarow Wiish, and the head of Somalia's soccer federation, Said Mohamed Nur. The head of Mogadishu's ambulance service told the Associated Press that the country's national planning minister was among the injured.
