Hiiraan Online
Sunday February 19, 2017
Mogadishu
(HOL) - President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo travelled to Medina
hospital to visit the victims of today’s bomb blast and announced that
his government would introduce a monetary incentive for civilians to
join the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Earlier this afternoon, A
truck bomb detonated at a busy intersection in Mogadishu’s Wadajir
district ripped through Kawa-Godey market just after Dhuhr prayers
killing at least 35 and injuring scores more.
Medina Hospital
Director Mohamed Yusuf said that over 35 people were brought to the
hospital. 11 were treated for minor injuries and sent home. He added
that 3 victims died while doctors fought to save their lives. Among the
victims are several young children and women.
Speaking at the
hospital, President Farmajo said that his government is offering
USD$100,000 as a reward for anybody who provides information leading
authorities to car bomb plots, something that he mentioned during his
campaign.
The Director of the National Intelligence Agency
(NISA), General Gaafow announced a separate USD$10,000 reward for
information on assassination attempts.
Just yesterday, Al Shabaab
militants targeted two government officials in two separate drive-by
shootings in Mogadishu. Authorities gave chase to the suspects but they
ultimately managed to escape.
Somali and AU forces have been
battling the militant insurgency group Al-Shabaab since ousting them
from the capital in 2011. The rebel group holds large swaths of land in
south and central Somalia and regularly launches attacks at government,
military and civilian installations.