Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia’s Hiiraan region kill at least 21 people

Two separate Al-Shabaab blasts in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region have killed at least 21 people, according to VOA.

Speaking to the VOA, Mire Hussein Siyad, deputy district commissioner of Jalalaqsi, said Wednesday’s attack in the town of Jalalaqsi took place when a powerful car bomb exploded as soldiers operating a security checkpoint intercepted it.

He added two of the town’s civilian leaders, Mayor Adan Mohamed Isse and Mohamed Nur Agajof Dabaashe, the recently replaced district commissioner who is yet to hand over responsibility, were among those killed.

Siyad noted the target was the town’s main bridge.

Meanwhile, six other people including four civilians were killed in a separate explosion in Buloburde town when an explosives-laden three-wheeled motorcycle struck the town’s main bridge. The explosion partially damaged the bridge.

Somalia’s state media said 17 civilians wounded in both blasts have been airlifted to the capital Mogadishu for further treatment.

Al-Shabaab’s attacks come amid key military gains made by Somalia’s security forces supported by armed local communities in the ongoing offensive against the terrorist group.