By Samantha Netzband 

Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia–Al Shabab has taken responsibility for two deadly car bombing that took place in Galkayo, Somalia on Sunday August 21st.  The death toll is unclear, but news outlets are reporting that over 10 civilians have died, with Al Jazeera reporting at least 20 dead.

The site of the two car bombings. (Photo Courtesy of CNN)

The first car bomb was set off in a truck, the second was set off in a car.  Local police Captain Abdi Hassan said the truck was rammed into the main gate of a building in Galkayo.  After the first bomb exploded and help started to arrive for the wounded the second bomb exploded.    The buildings near the site of the bombing included a school, market, and government building.  Authorities believe that Al-Shabab was targeting the government building.

Members of international society were quick to condemn the twin bombings.  The representative of the UN Secretary-General in Somalia, Michael Keating, issued a statement: “This act of terror highlights the vulnerability of Somali civilians including children to actors who continue to use violence to achieve their objectives.”  The Somali President and Prime Minister also condemned the attack as well as the President of the United States of America.

This bombing is one in a series purported by Al-Shabab in Somalia.  Upset with the presence of foreign sources in Somalia, Al-Shabab also attacked the city of Mogadishu in July killing 6 civilians.

For further information, please see:

Aljazerra – Al Shabab Claims Double Suicide Bombing in Somalia – 22 August 2016

CNN – Somali Suicide Bombings Leave 23 Dead; Al Shabab Claims Responsiblity – 21 August 2016

Press Herald – Twin Blasts Kill 17 at Government Building, Market in Somalia – 21 August 2016

Times of India – More than 10 Dead in Twin Blast in Somali Town – 21 August 2016