Bomb attack kills 17 at Mogadishu police academy

The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab Takfiri terrorist group has launched a bombing attack on a police training camp in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, killing at least 17 officers and injuring 20 others.

The casualties took place on Thursday, when an assailant infiltrated the General Kahiye Police Training Academy during an early morning parade and detonated the explosives strapped around his waist and torso.

“A man wearing an explosive vest entered the camp disguised as a policeman, and blew himself up,” police officer Mohamed Abdulle said. “Medical rescuers are still working on evacuating the casualties.”

Witnesses said the bomber, in order to inflict maximum damage, targeted a spot where soldiers had gathered to rehearse for Somalia’s Police Day celebrations scheduled for December 20.

The Takfiri terrorist group immediately claimed responsibility for the deadly attack but gave a higher death toll.

The General Kahiye Police Training Academy is the biggest training camp for police and security forces in Somalia.

The Horn of Africa nation has been the scene of deadly clashes between government forces and al-Shabab terrorists since 2006.

SS