Suicide bomber kills 13 at Somali military camp | World News
A suicide attacker targeted a military recruitment centre in Somalia’s capital on Sunday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 21, according to witnesses.
The attack took place as young recruits were lining up to reger at a military camp in Mogadishu. The Associated Press (AP) reported that no group had claimed responsibility, but the city is often attacked the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, which has carried out similar bombings in the past.
“There was a loud explosion, and immediately people began running in all directions. Bodies were everywhere,” a tuk-tuk driver, Abdulkadir Hassan Mohamed, told AP.
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A security officer patrols near the scene of a suicide bomber attack in Mogadishu, Somalia Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)
A soldier who gave only his first name, Hussein, said many recruits were waiting in line when the blast happened. “The explosion was devastating. I saw many casualties. The attacker disguised himself as a recruit before blowing himself up,” he told AP. Hussein also said five civilians passing were among those killed.
A similar bombing in July 2023 at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu killed 25 soldiers and injured 70. Al-Shabab had claimed responsibility for that attack.
Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for years and often targets military and government sites.
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