UPDATE - Somalia: Suicide attack kills over 20, wounds 18 others

UPDATES WITH CONDEMNATION BY TURKEY AND OIC

By Mohammed Dhaysane and Hassan Istilla

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Over 20 people were killed more than 18 others wounded when a truck full of explosives exploded at the busiest intersection in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday afternoon, police said.

"The truck exploded at the KM5 injunction,” also known as Zobe, Ali Mohamed, a policeman at the scene, told Anadolu Agency over the phone.

“The explosion caused massive destruction to buildings, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, and civilian vehicles were in flames."

He described the suicide truck attack as largest and deadliest attack in the recent history of the Horn of Africa nation.

Omar Ibrahim, 25, a driver and eyewitness, told Anadolu Agency "I saw huge destruction and dead bodies lying around the scene."

Security forces, ambulances, and government officials reached the site as emergence services were still treating casualties, another eyewitness told Anadolu Agency.

Local media reported that the death toll had risen to 50 people, but that figure is unconfirmed.

No group has yet claimed responsibly for the attack, but insurgent group al-Shabaab had claimed recent attacks in Somalia.

Turkey condemned the attack late on Saturday.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack perpetrated today (October 14) in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, with bomb-laden vehicle causing numerous civilian deaths and injuries," Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

The statement also wished Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attack and a speedy recovery to the wounded.

"Turkey renews its strong solidarity with the Government and people of Somalia in the wake of the said terrorist attack occurring in a period in which significant progress has been achieved to ensure stability in Somalia," it added.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attack.

In a written statement, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen wished Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attack which was against the security and stability of the region.

The organization supports Somali government in building peace, stability and development in the country, the statement added.