ELASHA BIYAHA, Somalia – An explosion was reported in Elasha Biyaha, about 17 kilometers west of the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Wednesday amid a stepped-up military operation against Al-Shabaab.
The blast from a landmine happened near a security checkpoint in the area, targeting paramilitary police in charge of the area security, according to an eyewitness, speaking to radio Shabelle by phone.
The details of the casualty number remain unverified but reports indicated that the security forces sealed off the scene and carried out a search operation that nabbed several suspects.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing, which comes a day after a suicide car bomber struck Mahas town during a visit by the Somali president to a military base.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was safe and sound after the foiled attack and left the city for Adan Yabal on Wednesday, where he is currently holding talks with local community and army officers on war against Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab, which merged with Al-Qaeda in 2012 makes an attempt for revenge attacks in Mogadishu after losing ground in central regions to the Somali national army and allied forces.
