Staff Writer
An explosion caused by a home-made bomb on a road in central Somalia claimed the lives of eight members of the same family, a local official said on Monday, blaming the Shebab rebels.
According to the local mayor, Sadam Abdi Idow, “eight innocent members of the same family, including a woman, were killed” by the explosion on Sunday evening near Buloburde, a community 220 kilometers north of the capital Mogadishu.
He continued, “The Shebab terrorists have no respect for civilians” and “planted this mine after being routed by ongoing military operations in the region.”
For more than 15 years, the Shebab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has fought against the internationally supported federal government of Somalia.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, the president of Somalia, has proclaimed “total war” against
Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, the president of Somalia, has declared “total war” on them and last September began a military offensive with help, particularly from US airstrikes.
However, in reprisal, the rebels continue to conduct brutal attacks, notably in the center of Somali towns and at military posts.
