Death toll in Somalia market bomb blast rises to 32

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - The death toll from a car bombing at a busy market in the Somali capital has risen to 32 with 50 others injured, according to officials Monday.

The commissioner of Wadajir district in Mogadishu told Anadolu Agency the car bomb which exploded Sunday had targeted a crowded restaurant.

“At least 32 people were killed including Somali government soldiers. The explosion also destroyed shops and buildings around the scene,” Abdullahi Ahmed Afrah said.

Mogadishu’s main Medina hospital and local paramedics also confirmed the death toll.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who was elected by parliament earlier this month, visited Medina hospital overnight and pledged his government’s support to the victims of the deadly attack.

“I want to say as the president of the nation, the government will pay the health care of the wounded people of the barbaric attack by al-Shabaab terrorist group, my government will work to get overseas treatment for those who are critically wounded” Farmajo told reporters inside the facility.

Police Capt. Adan Haji told Anadolu Agency on Sunday that a security operation launched after the blast resulted in the arrest of four al-Shabaab suspects.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Somali rebel group al-Shabaab has recently been blamed for terrorist attacks in Mogadishu.

- Turkey condemns attack

The explosion has been condemned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which described the incident as an “act of terrorism that has taken place at a time where important steps are being taken to achieve stability in the country”.

“Turkey, as in the past will continue to firmly support the efforts to ensure peace and stability in Somalia in the upcoming period, ” it said in a statement Sunday.

“We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attack, convey our condolences to their families and wish speedy recovery to the wounded.”