Three Blasts Kill 15 in Somali Capital

Posted September 20th, 2012 at 1:30 pm (UTC-5)
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Witnesses in the Somali capital say three explosions, including two from suicide bombers, have killed at least 15 people and wounded others.

The blasts in Mogadishu Thursday appeared to target a restaurant called The Village, which is popular among journalists and civil servants.

The site is located outside a building that houses VOA affiliate Kulmiya Radio. It is also across the street from the National Theater, where in April, a suicide attack claimed by militant group al-Shabab killed 10 people.

Last week President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud escaped harm when three suicide bombers targeted a Mogadishu hotel where he was speaking. Al-Shabab also claimed responsibility for that attack.

The al-Qaida-allied group controlled part of the capital until last year, when it was driven out by Somali and African Union forces. The group, however, has continue to launch assaults using hit-and-run, guerilla-style tactics.

Al-Shabab has lost most of the territory it once controlled. Its largest remaining stronghold, Port Kismayo, is currently under siege by Somali and AU forces who say they will move in soon to recapture the city.