A suicide bomber killed at least 11 people and wounded 20 others outside a military camp in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Sunday.
The attacker struck outside the Damaanyo army barracks in the Hodan district, where army recruits were queuing for enlistment.
Security sources confirmed the dead included both civilians and new recruits, with emergency teams rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
The al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group al-Shabaab swiftly claimed responsibility, continuing its campaign of violence against the Somali government.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the city, as smoke rose above the capital and sirens pierced the streets in a familiar refrain.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with bodies strewn near the camp entrance and soldiers scrambling to secure the area.
Al-Shabaab has waged a bloody insurgency in Somalia for over 16 years, frequently targeting military sites and public gatherings.
Despite ongoing counterterrorism operations, the group remains capable of executing deadly urban attacks with devastating precision.
Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, as families gathered outside hospitals in search of missing loved ones.
Sunday’s bombing highlights Somalia’s fragile security situation, even in areas considered relatively stable within Mogadishu.
The government has vowed to intensify its military efforts and root out terrorist cells operating within the capital and beyond.
International partners condemned the attack, reaffirming support for Somalia’s fight against extremism and its path toward peace.
