Al-Shabaab continues to strive to please its bloodthirsty god. “Blast in south central Somalia kills at least 12,” by Abdi Guled for the Associated Press, April 10 (thanks to Wimpy):
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) “” A blast rocked a vegetable market in Somalia’s third-largest city, killing at least twelve people and wounding at least 30, officials said Monday, and the country’s top militant group claimed responsibility.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali slammed the group for the bombing.
“What they did was contrary to Islam and our culture … We are committed to clear (Al Shabab) out of the country.”
He probably believes the bombing was against Islam because the jihadis targeted civilians, but the jihadis probably believe they are apostates for collaborating with an infidel regime, and hence fair game even as per the dictates of Islamic law.
Baidoa police officer Abdullahi Ahmed said the blast was caused by a roadside bomb, while witness Nur Yusuf said the bomb was concealed in a thermos placed along the street where he sells vegetables.
“So far, we know eight people died and fifteen others were injured,” Ahmed said. “The death toll may rise, but it was a cowardly attack targeting civilians “” we have arrested one suspect after the blast.”
Eyewitness Fadumo Haji said she saw the carnage.
“They killed innocent and poor people,” she said.
The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. Baidoa was a major base for the group until Ethiopian troops and Somali soldiers seized the key town in February.
“The explosion has targeted Ethiopians and their apostate companions,” the group said in a statement posted on its website.
It continued: “Then they opened fire at the civilians in the market, killing five people on the spot.”…