MOGADISHU, Somalia – Remote-controlled IED explosions have been reported in Mogadishu, targeting businesses that installed government-mandated security cameras.
Two of the businesses that were hit by blasts are located on Street 30, specifically around the Labo-Dhagah junction, where the police manned a security checkpoint to check cars.
A third similar explosion was reported to have taken place in a commercial area inside the Bakara market in Mogadishu, days after the country’s intelligence boss Mahad Salad’s visit.
Eyewitnesses said two women who were walking on the road were killed in the explosion that occurred in the Bakara market, especially in the Cirtogte area during the night.
The attacks come after all businesses in Mogadishu were ordered to install CCTV cameras despite the Al-Shabaab rejection. The traders fell into two rocks, and they were in panic.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA] aimed the CCTV cameras installed in Mogadishu streets and in front of all commercial buildings to boost the city’s security.
However, Al-Shabaab bombed several CCTV surveillance cameras installed on some of the main roads in Mogadishu to monitor the movement of traffic and locals for public safety.
Many businesses in Mogadishu have already complied with the government’s directive to install CCTV cameras, and this has led to increased fear of attack from the militant group.