5 killed in landmine blast in Somalia

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - At least five people, including children, were killed and several others wounded when a landmine blast rocked Dinsor in southwestern Somalia, officials said Thursday.

“The attack took place nearby Dinsor police station on Wednesday evening, killing at least five people, including two children and three soldiers and wounded others,” local policeman Ibrahim Madey told Anadolu Agency.

The wounded were transported to Bay regional hospital in Baidoa, he said.

Dinsor District Commissioner Ibrahim Mohamed Nour, also known as Shigahigow, confirmed to local media the landmine was planted near the police station.

”Our civilians in the town informed us as we are trying to defuse it when the blast went off, killing several people,” said Shigshigow.

No group has yet to claim responsibility for the blast but the Somali-based al-Qaeda affiliated group, al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for a mortar attack Wednesday in Mogadishu that killed one and wounded 3 others.