Explosion kills man, his two children in their home in Mogadishu

A man and his two children were killed in Elasha Biyaha, 15km south of Mogadishu, when an IED being handled in a house detonated. His wife was also injured in the blast.

Local authorities believe an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated within the residence, while it was being assembled or stored.

According to state media, the man is suspected to be an Al-Shabaab member. The injured woman is in police custody. Police say they found other explosive materials upon searching the house.

This incident comes amid reports of suspected mortar attacks in several neighbourhoods in the capital on Saturday night including Waaberi, Boondheere iyo Yaaqshiid districts. Loud sounds were heard across these neighbourhoods with several people, mostly children, being injured. While others suggested roadside explosions, residents who spoke to local media said they believed it was mortar attacks. It is not yet clear who is behind these attacks but such incidents are not uncommon in Mogadishu.