| Description |
A VBIED targeted AMISOM convoy near Xawo-Cabdi settlement (9km SE of Afgooye) in the afternoon of 08/09. Reports indicate that a Toyota NOAH laden with explosives driven by a self-suicide detonated in to the AMISOM convoy. The convoy was coming from Lower Shabelle Region and heading to Mogadishu when the incident happened. Further reports indicate that two civilian mini-buses who were using the road behind the convoy had also involved the incident. The governor of Lower Shabelle, who survived from the attack, confirmed that; two international military advisers - an American and South African - and two AMISOM soldiers were among the injured. At least 16 civilians were killed while about 27 others were injured. Al Shabaab spokesman, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Abu Musab stated that they carried out the attack targeting American officials who were travelling with the convoy and was aimed to avenge for the killing of their leader (GODANE). A Pentagon spokeswoman when contacted said that; there were no US personnel hurt in the attack but not commented whether American officials were with the convoy. Despite the claims of the State Department, following the attack al Shabaab claimed they have "killed an American General." On the same note, an executive Director for an American company providing mentorship services for AMISOM said that their employees had involved the attack, but said none of them was injured and neither is an American. |
