A suicide bombing has struck Damaanyo military camp in Mogadishu, targeting young people who were lining up to join the Somali National Army. According to reports, a person wearing an explosive device detonated himself inside the camp, where registration was underway for new army recruits.
Preliminary information indicates that the blast caused numerous deaths and injuries. Two rickshaws (bajaj) were used to rush the wounded to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment. Witnesses say the attack was a deliberate strike on the registration point where dozens of youths were being enlisted.
Security forces have sealed off the area and are conducting investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the bombing. There are growing fears of further attacks.
As of now, Somali government officials have not issued a statement regarding the suicide bombing. Notably, this is not the first time Damaanyo camp has been targeted — a similar deadly explosion occurred at the same site in 2023, also during a recruitment drive for new soldiers.
