NEWS- The Police in Somalia have confirmed that a suicide bomber killed at least seven people when he detonated an explosives-laden vest in front of a crowded restaurant in the capital, Mogadishu yesterday evening.
The Somali Police said the attack occurred in the afternoon stating that the suicide blast occurred in front of a restaurant near the city’s main police facility.
The statement from the Police indicate that the attack carried out by a suicide bomber targeted a resting shade in front of a café near the School Polizia Facility, killing at least seven people and six others were injured and the casualties included Police officials and civilians.
A witness who asked not to be named said that among those killed was a famous Somali comedian, Sugal Abdulle, and a Police officer in charge of the security of Turkish-built Yardim Eli specialist hospital in Mogadishu.
Another witness Osman Nur Aden told journalists that the suicide bomber blew himself in the middle of civilians and members of the Police officers staying under trees in front of the restaurant.
The location of the attack is also near the city’s heavily secured international Airport that is home to some foreign embassies, and U.N. and African Union bases.
The attack also came during a visit to the city by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo who was had met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
It is reported that their meeting focused on further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Somalia and the United Nations, while exploring ways to accelerate UN efforts in support of Somalia’s priorities.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the Police said the attack has the hallmarks of Islamists al-Shabab militants even without a formal claim which has launched assaults and suicide bombings against dozens of public gathering spots in Mogadishu over the past 15 years.
Additional Reporting from Associated Press.
