MOGADISHU, Somalia – A deadly roadside bomb explosion has ripped through a civilian minivan near Barire town, some 60km south of Somali capital Mogadishu.
The explosion damaged the minivan carrying fruit and vegetables while heading to Somali capital Mogadishu, a witness said.
He says the bomb blast caused deaths and injuries, but it remains unknown the exact number of casualties.
Barire, a town seized by Somali army forces from Al Shabaab, after heavy fighting, ending group’s strict control of the town.
It is a key town and its liberation serves as a big blow to Al Shabaab, fighting the weak-western backed government of Somalia.
The group was accused of extorting and harassing passengers on public transportation plying the route which links Barire town to Mogadishu.
Last month, Somali army forces and African Union troops seized Sabiid, another key town lies some 40km south of Mogadishu.
The al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab has been fighting more than ten years in Somalia.
The group wants to topple the weak-western backed government of Somalia and impose strict Islamic law into the nation.
