A vehicle laden with explosives detonated this evening in the coastal city of Bosaaso in Somalia’s autonomous Puntland region. The blast occurred as a result of an improvised explosive device attached to a vehicle being detonated.
The vehicle was subsequently engulfed in flames following the blast. The vehicle has been described by witnesses as a luxury vehicle commonly referred to as a Noah by the locals.
No one was in the vehicle of the time of the blast. Likewise no civilians in the vicinity of the blast where directly effected by the blast or shrapnel from the car bomb. The vehicle allegedly belongs to a local businessman in the port city, whose yet to be identified.
The coastal city of Bosaaso has been rocked by a series of bombings and assassinations in recent years. Often claimed by the armed group Al Shabaab and the Somalia’s Islamic state faction known as ISIS.
Both groups – Al Shabaab and ISIS have been vying for control and influence in Somalia’s oil rich Puntland state. Tir for tat skirmishe between both camps have become a common occurrence in the areas surrounding Galgala mountains.
However, with the latest bombing in Bosaaso this evening no group is yet to claim responsibility for the attack. Following the blast dozens of security forces cordoned off the area and began door to door searches for suspected militants according to witnesses.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media Service Desk
