Terror Strikes Again: Suicide Bombers Rock Mogadishu Airport
- The entrance targeted in the bombing is regularly used by employees who work at the airport
- Residents in the area also reported hearing two massive simultaneous explosions just around 9 a.m. local time
- The security source said casualties are expected among Somali security forces, AU and private security guards
Two suspected Al-Shabab car bombs exploded outside the main entrance of Mogadishu's airport early Tuesday, July 26, during morning rush hour, said security officials of Somalia.
Somalia's Interior security ministry said on Twitter that there were twin explosions, but did not give casualty figures.
The entrance targeted in the bombing is regularly used by employees who work at the airport.
Residents in the area also reported hearing two massive simultaneous explosions just around 9 a.m. local time.
Mogadishu Airport. Image source: www.somaliareport.com
According to reports from the residents, a suicide bomber tried to drive a car packed with explosives through a Somali security checkpoint and then detonated the explosives causing casualties.
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Seconds later another car arrived and this time, the suicide bomber detonated the car close to security forces and nearby African Union forces.
A security source told VOA that private security guards charged with protecting United Nations personnel outside the AU compound were also at the checkpoint at the time of the attack.
The security source said casualties are expected among Somali security forces, AU and private security guards.
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It's not yet known if any UN officials were preparing to leave the airport at the time of the attack. The private security detail escorts UN officials and vehicles outside the airport perimeter.
Security sources say attackers did not breach the perimeter of the airport which partially hosts the main Headquarters of the AU as well as foreign embassies. (VOA)
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