Mogadishu, Somalia – A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon as six workers associated with Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s largest telecommunication company, lost their lives in an IED explosion on the outskirts of Mogadishu. The explosion occurred as the workers were traveling from Garas-Balay to Elasha Biyaha, near the capital city.
According to witnesses, the workers fell victim to a remote-controlled landmine blast that targeted their vehicle. The identities of the deceased workers have been revealed as Hussein Maalim Abdi Weheliye, Mohamed Abdulle Wardhere, Mohamed Ahmed Wehliye (Gabashey), Abdikarim Osman Abdi, Abdinasir Ahmed Mohamud, and Abdifitah Nur Abdi Fidow.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, past incidents targeting Hormuud Telecom properties and personnel have been attributed to Al-Shabab militants. The group has a history of attacking telecommunication infrastructure controlled by the company, which plays a significant role in the country’s communication network.
Recent months have seen a rise in explosions targeting Hormuud Telecom facilities in Mogadishu, resulting in casualties and property damage. In response to the increased threats posed by Al-Shabab, the government has taken measures to disrupt the group’s financial activities by shutting down businesses associated with the militants.
The government’s efforts to cut off revenue sources for Al-Shabab have placed financial strain on the group, leading to retaliatory attacks against security personnel and innocent civilians. Despite facing challenges from stringent regulations, Al-Shabab continues to carry out cowardly acts of violence in an attempt to destabilize the region.
The tragic loss of lives in the explosion serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Somalia. The country remains vigilant in its efforts to combat terrorism and protect its citizens from extremist threats. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are working to identify those responsible for the senseless act of violence.