2022 Somali Ministry of Education bombings

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Somali Ministry of Education bombings
Part of the Somali Civil War
People reacting to a blast after the October 2022 Mogadishu bombings.jpg
People reacting to the blast immediately after the bombing
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Mogadishu
2022 Somali Ministry of Education bombings (Somalia)
Location Mogadishu, Somalia
Coordinates 2°1′57″N45°18′21″E / 2.03250°N 45.30583°E / 2.03250; 45.30583
Date29 October 2022
c. 14:00 EAT (UTC+3)
Target Ministry of Education
Attack type
 Car bombings
Deaths121+ [1]
Injured350+
Perpetrators Al-Shabaab [2]

On 29 October 2022, 121 people were killed and over 300 were injured by a double car bombing in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Sunni jihadist group al-Shabaab of carrying out the attacks, which they admitted. [2] [3] [4] [5] The bombing marks the deadliest attack in Somalia since the 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings at the same junction. [6] [7]

Contents

Background

Al-Shabaab are a Somali Salafi jihadist group who began their insurgency in 2006. They frequently carry out attacks in Somalia, as well as less often in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. In August 2022, al-Shabaab attacked a hotel in Mogadishu, killing 21 people. Afterwards, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that he would wage an "all-out war" on al-Shabaab. On 23 October 2022, the militant group killed eight people at a hotel in Kismayo. The bombings in Mogadishu occurred on a day when the president, prime minister, and other senior officials discussed combating al-Shabaab [6] and days after Somali officials announced gains in its high-profile offensive against the extremists. [8]

Bombings

At 14:00, the first explosion struck the country's Education Ministry, near Zobe junction [6] and a school. The junction was the site of a deadlier bombing in October 2017. [6] [7] The explosion was followed by a large column of smoke. A second explosion occurred minutes later when ambulances arrived at the site of the first explosion. The second explosion occurred during the busy lunchtime hours outside a restaurant. Both explosions shattered the windows of nearby buildings. Soon after the bombings, gunfire at the nearby Education Ministry was reported. [6] [7] [9]

The founder of Aamin Ambulance said that the second explosion destroyed an ambulance as it came to transport casualties. One driver and a first aid worker were injured. Many civilians on public transport were killed. [6] [7] Some of the injured were treated at Erdoğan Hospital. [10] At Medina Hospital, at least 30 bodies arrived where relatives could identify them. [6] [7] [9] The Somali Journalists Syndicate said that a television reporter was among those killed by the second explosion. [11] A Somali reporter for the Voice of America and a Reuters photojournalist were injured. [12] [13]

Aftermath

After a visit to the affected area, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said: "Our people who were massacred ... included mothers with their children in their arms, fathers who had medical conditions, students who were sent to study, businessmen who were struggling with the lives of their families." Although no organization at the time admitted carrying out the attacks, he accused al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group that typically does not claim responsibility for mass casualty events, of being responsible for the bombings. [3] He asked the international community for medical supplies and doctors, appealed to the public to donate blood at hospitals and promised free education to the victims' children and children of past al-Shabaab attacks. [13] He also ordered the government to provide emergency medical treatment to the injured. [14]

On 1 November, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the educational ministry was an "enemy base" receiving support from non-Muslim nations. [2] The organization attacked because they believed that Somali children were "being taught from a Christian-led education syllabus." [15]

International reactions

International organizations

The African Union condemned the attacks and stressed the "critical importance" of the "ongoing military offensive to further degrade al-Shabaab". [16] [17] The United Nations Mission in Somalia tweeted its condolences and condemned the "vicious attack". [18]

Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's Director for East and Southern Africa condemned the attack on civilians writing, "Al-Shabaab’s callous actions are crimes under international law and it is absolutely crucial that all those suspected of criminal responsibility for this crime face justice in fair trials...Intentionally targeting civilians in an armed conflict is a war crime and, as such, all states are permitted to exercise jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute. Al-Shabaab must immediately stop carrying out attacks on civilians, and the Somali authorities must ensure that victims’ families are offered justice, truth and reparation." [19]

Nations

The government of Qatar condemned the attack, said that Qatar rejects the use of terrorism and expressed its condolences. [20] Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack and sent its highest sympathy to the families of the victims, the Somali people, and the government. [21] Oman expressed condemnation and affirmed its solidarity with Somalia [22] Bahrain Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed "deep condolences and sympathy" to the people. [23] Following the attack Jordan condemned the bombing; [24] Turkey condemned the bombing as "heinous". [10] Pakistan spokesperson Asim Iftikhar denounced the "cowardly" attack and showed solidarity with the people of Somalia [25] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attacks, extended condolences to the families of the victims, and wished a "speedy recovery to those injured". It termed terrorism as "one of the gravest threats to international peace and security". [26] The United Kingdom's foreign minister, James Cleverly, condemned the attack in the "strongest possible terms" and reiterated the government's support for the Somali government against terrorists. [27] The United States condemned the "cowardly twin bombings in Mogadishu" and said: "As al-Shabaab loses on the battlefield, it continues to attack innocent Somali citizens." [28] [29]

Notable individuals

Pope Francis
@Pontifex
 Logo of Twitter.svg

Let us pray for the victims of the terrorist attack in #Mogadishu, which killed more than a hundred people, including many children. May God convert the hearts of the violent!

30 October 2022 [30]

While speaking at the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis condemned the attack and mourned the "victims of the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which killed more than 100 people, including many children." [31]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Mogadishu (2009)</span> Battle of the Somali Civil War

The Battle of Mogadishu (2009) started in May with an Islamist offensive, when rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam attacked and captured government bases in the capital of Mogadishu. The fighting soon spread, causing hundreds of casualties, and continued on at various levels of intensity until October. The battle's name usually includes the year, when referenced, in order to distinguish it amongst the nine major Battles of Mogadishu during the decades long Somali Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Kampala bombings</span> Suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda

On 11 July 2010, suicide bombings were carried out against crowds watching a screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final at two locations in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The attacks left 74 dead and 85 injured. Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militia based in Somalia that has ties to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the blasts as retaliation for Ugandan support for AMISOM. In March 2015, the trial of 13 Kenyan, Ugandan and Tanzanian alleged perpetrators of the bombings began at the High Court of Uganda.

The Muna Hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab fighters on 24 August 2010. The hotel was known to host government officials and other politicians. More fighting in the city began on 23 August.

The 2011 Mogadishu bombing occurred on 4 October 2011, when a suicide bomber drove a truck into the gate of the Transitional Federal Government's ministerial complex in Mogadishu, Somalia. The resulting explosion killed 100 people and injured over 110 others. Al-Shabaab, an Islamist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack is reported to be the largest since Al-Shabaab launched an insurgency in Somalia in early 2007. It also follows the withdrawal of Al-Shabaab's forces from the area in August after an AMISOM intervention to bring aid to the country during a season of drought.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 timeline of the Somali Civil War</span>

This is a 2015 timeline of events in the Somali Civil War (2009–present).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makka al-Mukarama hotel attack</span> 2015 Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu, Somalia

On 27 March 2015, Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on the Makka al-Mukarama hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia. The siege ended a few hours later on 28 March, after the National Intelligence and Security Agency's Gaashaan unit stormed the premises, recaptured it, and killed all five of the attackers. According to the Ministry of Information, around 20 people died during the standoff, including the perpetrators, security forces, hotel security guards and some civilians, with around 28 wounded. The special forces also rescued more than 50 hotel guests. President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered an investigation into the attack, and the Ministry of Information announced that the federal government was slated to pass new laws to curb illicit firearms. On 8 May, the Makka al-Mukarama hotel officially reopened after having undergone renovations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lido Beach, Mogadishu</span> Beach in Somalia

Lido Beach is a beach in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, which overlooks the Somali Sea. It derives its name from the Italian word for "beach". Commonly, the name Liido is colloquially used by locals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 timeline of the Somali Civil War</span>

This is a 2017 timeline of events in the Somali Civil War (2009–present).

On 28 February 2019 at least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in three car bombing attacks followed by a siege in Mogadishu. The cars exploded near the Makka Al-Mukarama hotel. The attack happened in Makka Al-Mukarama road which was very busy at the time. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 28 December 2019, a suicide truck bomber killed at least 85 people at the Ex-Control Afgoye police checkpoint in Mogadishu, Somalia. More than 140 others were wounded and, as of 31 December, 12 people remained missing. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on 30 December. The attack was the deadliest in Somalia since the 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings, which killed 587 people.

On 18 January 2020, a suicide car bombing killed four and injured at least 20 others in Afgooye, approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Most of the casualties were police officers protecting Turkish contractors building a road. The al-Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled, also known Abdiaziz Afrika professionally as Thatjama, was a Somali journalist. Born in Mogadishu, But Based in London, Guled was initially known for his work in private radio and television stations prior to joining Somali National Television and Radio around 2009. In November 2020, Guled was appointed director of the Somali federal state-run Radio Mogadishu, a position he held until his assassination on 20 November 2021.

On 23 March 2022 in Somalia, a series of coordinated attacks by al-Shabaab jihadists in the two cities of Mogadishu and Beledweyne killed over 60 people.

Events in the year 2022 in Somalia.

During the evening of 19 August 2022, al-Shabaab gunmen attacked the Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia. Initially, two car bombs exploded. Gunmen then stormed the hotel, shooting people and taking hostages. At least 21 people were killed, and 117 others were wounded, fifteen of whom are in critical condition. The number of gunmen involved in the attack is currently unknown.

Events in the year 2023 in Somalia.

On November 27, 2022, militants from Al-Shabaab stormed the Villa Rossa Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, holing themselves up in the facility until Somali forces recaptured it.

Events in the year 2024 in Somalia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Lido Beach attack</span> Mogadishu Beach View Attack

On 2 August 2024, Al-Shabaab attacked Lido Beach in Somalia's capital Mogadishu. The attack started with a suicide bombing, followed by a mass shooting inside a hotel. Explosions and gunfire shook a hotel near the beach, with restaurants and other hotels in the area also being targeted. A suicide bomber blew themselves up near the Beach View Hotel, leading to the deaths of at least 50 people and injuries to hundreds of others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Mogadishu tea shop bombing</span> 2024 terrorist attack at a tea shop in Mogadishu, Somalia

On August 17, 2024, at around 2:15pm local time, an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Al-Shabaab killed 20 people at a tea shop in Daynile District in northwest Mogadishu. Another 10 people were seriously injured in the attack, and the death toll is expected to rise due to the severity of the injuries. This was Al-Shabaab's second-largest attack in Mogadishu in August, following an attack on Lido Beach.

References

  1. ↑ Psaledakis, Daphne (2 November 2022). "U.S. Targets weapons trafficking with sanctions on Islamic State in Somalia". Reuters.
  2. 1 2 3 "At least 100 people were killed in the car bomb attacks in Somalia's capital". National Public Radio. The Associated Press. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  3. 1 2 Hassan, A.; Biryabarema, E.; Mallard, W. (30 October 2022). "Somalia president: at least 100 people killed in car bombs". Reuters. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  4. ↑ Yamour, Idris Mukhtar, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Heather (30 October 2022). "Explosions near Somalia's education ministry kill 100 people". CNN. Retrieved 30 October 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ "Death Toll Rises to 121 in Somalia Al-Shabab Attacks". November 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "'Scores of casualties' after twin blasts in Somalia's capital". Al Jazeera. 29 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "2 car bombs leave scores of casualties at an intersection in Somalia's capital". National Public Radio. Associated Press. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  8. ↑ "Somali president vows to continue 'war' against Islamic extremists". The Guardian. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Death toll from Somalia twin bombings climbs to 100". France 24. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  10. 1 2 "No: 327, 29 October 2022, Press Release Regarding the Terrorist Attacks in Somalia". Archived from the original on 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  11. ↑ Hassan, A.; Biryabarema, E.; Mallard, W.; MacSwan, A. (29 October 2022). "Car bombs at Somali education ministry leave scores of casualties". Reuters. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  12. ↑ Hassani, Abdi Sheikh And Abdiqani (30 October 2022). "Car bombs at busy Somalia market intersection killed at least 100, president says". Reuters. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  13. 1 2 Maruf, Harun (30 October 2022). "At Least 100 Killed in Mogadishu Bombing, President Says". Voice of America. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  14. ↑ "Somalia president: At least 100 people killed in car bombs". Al Arabiya. Reuters. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  15. ↑ "Al Shabaab Claims Responsibility for Attack on Somalia's Education Ministry – HS Today". 31 October 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  16. ↑ Kasraoui, Safaa (30 October 2022). "Bloody Bombings in Somalia Draw International Condemnation". Morocco World News . Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  17. ↑ "AU condemns terrorist attack in Somalia".Retrieved2023-02-08.
  18. ↑ "At least 100 killed, 300 hurt in 'heinous' Mogadishu car bombings". Al Jazeera. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  19. ↑ "Somalia: Al-Shabaab must urgently stop carrying out attacks against civilians". Amnesty International. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  20. ↑ "Statement : Qatar Strongly Condemns Bombing in Mogadishu". Twitter. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  21. ↑ "#Statement | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on the headquarters of the #Somali Ministry of Higher Education". Twitter. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  22. ↑ ofm_admin_3 (31 October 2022). "Oman condemns bombings in Somalia". FM.gov.om. Retrieved 2 November 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ↑ "Bahrain News Agency". www.bna.bh. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  24. ↑ "الخارجية تدين التفجير الذي استهدف مبنى وزارة التربية والتعليم بالصومال". mfa.gov.jo. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  25. ↑ "Pakistan Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack on Hotel in Mogadishu".
  26. ↑ Press Releases (30 October 2022). "India strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Somalia". Ministry of External Affairs . Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  27. ↑ "Foreign Secretary Statement on attack in Mogadishu". Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  28. ↑ House, The White (30 October 2022). "Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Terrorist Attack in Somalia". The White House. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  29. ↑ "Somalia Bombings draw International Condemnation". Garowe Online. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  30. ↑ Pope Francis [@Pontifex] (30 October 2022). "Let us pray for the victims of the terrorist attack in #Mogadishu, which killed more than a hundred people, including many children. May God convert the hearts of the violent!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ↑ "Pope Francis prays for victims of Somalia terrorist attack – Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
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