At Least 10 Killed in Mogadishu Explosion

Residents told Reuters today, Tuesday, that "an explosion occurred in an open-air market in the Somali capital Mogadishu, resulting in the death of at least 10 people." The residents confirmed that "several explosions took place and destroyed many shops." Three nurses at Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu told Reuters that "more than 20 injured individuals were taken to the hospital." Hassan Ali, a trader in the Bakara market, told Reuters, "I counted 10 dead and 15 injured. My shop was completely destroyed. The explosions occurred in four locations in the center of the market." It is not yet clear who is responsible for the explosions, but the militant group Al-Shabaab frequently carries out attacks in Somalia and other places. The Bakara market, which is the largest in Mogadishu, is bustling with traders and is where most residents purchase their food, clothing, medicine, electronics, and other daily necessities. The Deputy Governor of Security and Politics of the Banadir regional administration, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye (Yabooh), who visited the Bakara market after the explosions, denied that any mortar was used in the attack, and instead said that it was an explosion by Al-Shabaab.