Eight people from the same family were on Sunday killed in a landmine explosion that targeted the motorcycle they were traveling on in the Jicibow area of Buulo-Burde District, Hiiraan region.

The attack was carried out by Al-Shabaab militants, who have recently suffered defeats at the hands of the Somali National Army and the Local Forces ‘Macawisley’.

The mayor of Buulo-Burde district, Saadam Abdi Idow, confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences.

“These individuals, who were all from the same family, were returning from their fields on a three-wheeled motorcycle when they were struck by the explosion,” Mayor Saadam Abdi stated.

He further highlighted that the victims included five family members, along with a father and his two sons. The mayor also emphasized that the attack bore the hallmarks of the Al-Shabaab.

“The casualties include eight individuals, one woman, and the rest were men. Unfortunately, they have all lost their lives, and this cowardly attack is the nature of Al-Shabaab,” explained the mayor of Buulo-Burde, Hiran region.

This devastating landmine attack occurred the day after the Somalia National Army, supported by the Local Forces ‘Macawisley’, launched an offensive operation in Beroyabaal near the Bulo-Burte District. The operation resulted in casualties and injuries among the militants, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and restore peace and security to the region.