At least one person has been killed and two others injured in a landmine explosion that occurred today near the airport in Baraawe, located in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion targeted a vehicle heading toward the airport to collect khat (a mild stimulant plant widely used in the region). The blast resulted in casualties among the vehicle’s passengers, with the injured currently receiving treatment at local medical facilities.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Al-Shabaab, a designated terrorist organization by Somalia, the United Nations, the United States, and other international bodies, has previously carried out similar attacks targeting vehicles and key infrastructure in the area.
Security forces have launched an investigation into the incident, but there has been no official statement yet from Baraawe’s security authorities.