At least four people were killed and nine others injured after a roadside bomb targeted a public minibus (commonly known as “caasi”) in the area of Geelgub, near Xaaji Cali in the Middle Shabelle region.

The explosion occurred around 11:40 AM local time as the vehicle was transporting 13 passengers. The improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated while the minibus was passing through Geelgub, causing significant casualties. The nine injured passengers have been transported to Mogadishu for emergency medical treatment.

Geelgub is an area recently declared by the Federal Government of Somalia to be under its full control, after being cleared of Al-Shabaab militants just two days prior to the incident.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack comes amid ongoing government-led military operations aimed at reclaiming territory and restoring security across central and southern Somalia.