The attack that shook the town of Beledweyne in Somalia on September 23, 2023 caused widespread destruction and claimed many victims. A truck full of explosives was thrown into a Somali special forces checkpoint, causing several buildings to collapse. Images posted on social media show a scene of chaos, with streets strewn with rubble.
According to local authorities, at least 13 people lost their lives in this attack, and more than 40 others were injured, some seriously. The victims are mainly innocent civilians, trapped in this merciless tragedy. Rescuers spent hours clearing the rubble in search of survivors, but the blast was so intense that many buildings collapsed, making rescue operations particularly difficult.
Although the attack has not yet been claimed, it comes in a context where the Somali government is leading a military offensive against the Shebab group, affiliated with al-Qaeda. Beledweyne is located in the Hiiraan region in the center of the country, which is at the heart of this government offensive. The armed forces, supported by local clan militias, have managed to liberate several strategic towns and roads, but the Shebab remains a formidable adversary and continues to carry out deadly attacks.
The Somali government recently asked the UN to postpone the withdrawal of African Union troops for three months, highlighting the significant setbacks suffered in its fight against Shebab. Despite the support of the Atmis force and airstrikes by the American army, the situation remains precarious and the terrorist threat persists.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to continuing the fight against the Shebab Islamists. He stressed the importance of strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Somalia.
This tragic attack in Beledweyne is a cruel reminder of the violence that continues to rage in the country. It also highlights the importance for the international community to support the Somali government in its efforts to restore security and stability in the region.
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