Somali general killed in al-Shabaab bomb blast

By Mohamed Adam

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - A suicide attacker rammed a military vehicle with a car bomb in Mogadishu on Sunday, killing himself and at least eight soldiers -- including a general -- the country’s military confirmed.

The attack took place near the Somali defense ministry headquarters. Five other people, all of them civilians, were reportedly wounded.

A Somali National Army spokesman told Anadolu Agency General Mohamed Roble Jimale -- also known as Goballe -- and at least seven bodyguards were killed.

Goballe had been a leader in Somalia’s war against al-Shabaab in recent years.

Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack.

An eyewitness, Liban Mohamed, described the attack to Anadolu Agency: “I ran toward the scene along with six other people and saw two vehicles destroyed and the larger vehicle on fire.”

”We heard huge explosions, followed by heavy gunfire. I quickly looked outside in panic to see smoke and dust erupt from the scene,” he added.

Sunday’s attack is the latest by militants in the Somali capital.

On Aug. 25 this year, at least seven people were killed and two others injured in a bomb attack on a beach restaurant. Five civilians, two members of the security forces and two attackers died in the incident.