Somali lawmaker wounded in Mogadishu bomb blast
MOGADISHU — A Somali lawmaker lost his legs in a bomb blast whilst
driving a car in southern Mogadishu, police said Friday, the latest
explosion to rock the war-ravaged Somali capital.
"The MP had his legs blown off when an explosion hit the car," police officer Abdi Arale said.
"Some
reports suggest it was caused by explosives planted in the car, others
suggest it was roadside bomb, and we are still investigating the
incident," he added.
No group has claimed responsibility, but last
week Islamist Shebab insurgents vowed to scale up bombing attacks after
carrying out their worst ever suicide attack in Mogadishu killing at
least 82 people.
Witnesses said MP Mohamed Ananug was dragged out
the car shortly before the vehicle burst into flames, in the Seypiano
area of Mogadishu.
"I saw him being removed from the car before it totally burnt up," said Mohamed Shekhey, a witness.
African
Union and Somali government forces launched renewed assaults last week
against die-hard Shebab positions in the city still held after the bulk
of rebels pulled out in August.
The Shebab however said they have
shifted to guerrilla tactics, and recent attacks have demonstrated they
are still able to wreak havoc deep inside the city.
The Horn of
African country has lacked a central authority since plunging into a
deadly civil war with the 1991 ouster of president Mohamed Siad Barre.
Somalia
is the worst affected country by a harsh drought that has left some 13
million people in the Horn of Africa facing starvation.
Source: AfP
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