Islamists carry out attacks in Somalia | Currently Africa | D.W.

The assassin in Mogadishu mingled with people on the terrace of a tea shop, which was especially popular with young people. Then he ignited his spray. Five people, including a child, were torn apart with him, according to a police spokesman. Many were injured.

Al-Shabaab, an Islamic terrorist militant, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has previously vowed to carry out two attacks on military bases in southern Somalia, linked to the Al Qaeda terrorist network. At the same time, military bases have been attacked in Avtigil and Barrier, about 30 kilometers from Lower Shabel province, according to a government spokesman. The players on both bases are divisions trained by Turkey.

Fighting for hours

After two suicide bombers blew themselves up, heavy armed assailants went into a several-hour firefight to gain control of the bases. Locals also reported civilians injured by severe explosions and ricochet. A total of nine soldiers were killed and eleven wounded, the military said.

A commander said the troops had repulsed the attackers, inflicting heavy casualties and were under the control of Avtigil and Barrier. 76 attackers were killed and ten others were taken prisoner.

The Sunni terrorist group claimed to have killed 47 soldiers and seized weapons, ammunition and vehicles through its mouthpiece “Radio Andalus”. Al-Shabaab has been fighting the East African nation’s internationally recognized government for more than a decade. Islamists control large areas of the south and the center of Somalia.

se / ml (afp, ap, rtr, dpa)