A landmine explosion at a construction site in Beledweyne, central Somalia, has killed one person and injured two others, raising fresh security concerns in the Hiiraan region.
BELEDWEYNE, Somalia (Somali Report) — One person was killed and two others injured on Wednesday after a landmine exploded at a construction site in Beledweyne, a city in central Somalia’s Hiiraan region about 300 kilometres (185 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, local sources said.
The explosion occurred early in the morning in the Buundo Weyn neighbourhood, where construction workers were reportedly gathered and storing equipment and materials used at the site.
The person killed was among those present when the device exploded, the sources said. Two others suffered injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
Several local sources said the explosive device had been buried at the site, although it was not immediately clear who planted it or when.
Security forces deployed to the area shortly after the blast and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities had not immediately issued a formal statement identifying those responsible or confirming whether the explosion was deliberately targeting construction workers.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. However, police pointed finger of blame at Al-Shabaab.
The incident comes as Beledweyne and surrounding areas continue to face security challenges linked to Somalia's long-running conflict with Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group.
The group has carried out attacks using improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs and other explosives against security forces and civilians in several parts of central and southern Somalia.
Explosive devices remain a major threat in conflict-affected areas, where they can target military convoys and government installations but also cause civilian casualties in populated areas.
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Today's blast has also raised concerns about the safety of workers at construction sites, particularly in areas where security conditions remain fragile.
Residents said security forces were examining the area following the explosion as authorities sought to establish how the device was planted and whether other explosives could be present nearby.
The two injured people were receiving medical attention, while the identity of the person killed had not immediately been released.
It was also unclear whether the explosive had been recently planted or was an older device left behind from previous fighting.
Beledweyne is a strategically important city in Hiiraan and has frequently been at the centre of military and political developments in central Somalia.
Government forces, supported by local fighters and international partners, have conducted operations in the wider region against Al-Shabaab, which still maintains the ability to carry out attacks despite losing control of some territory.
Somalia has also faced a longstanding problem with landmines and explosive remnants of war, particularly in areas affected by decades of conflict.
The latest incident underscores the continuing risks faced by civilians as security forces work to improve stability in Hiiraan and other parts of the country.
Further details about the circumstances of the blast and the condition of the two injured victims were not immediately available.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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