JOWHAR, Somalia – At least seven people were killed and four injured when a vehicle carrying civilians struck a landmine in the Kudkudaaleey area of central Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, local sources reported Sunday.
The vehicle was carrying nearly 20 passengers en route to Galgaduud region towns Mazagawaay and Ceel Dheer when the blast occurred late Saturday afternoon, officials said.
“The mine completely destroyed the vehicle. The passengers were civilians,” a local source told Radio Shabelle, requesting anonymity. Photographs from the scene show the vehicle badly mangled by the explosion.
Authorities said the device appeared to have been planted on the roadside. It remained unclear whether the attack was targeted.
In recent days, Al-Shabaab insurgents have reportedly intensified extortion on local travelers, demanding fees of up to 120 US dollars per vehicle, two dollars per livestock animal, and up to 500 dollars from larger transport trucks, according to local drivers.
Transport operators voiced concern over the steep levies and the proliferation of roadside bombs, warning that the threats could severely disrupt travel between Mogadishu and central regions.
