A huge blast that seems to have been aimed at a United Nations convoy has left at least eight people dead and several wounded in the Somali capital, with armed group Al-Shabab claiming responsibility.  



A deadly&nbsp;explosion has torn through the capital city of Mogadishu, Somalia, leaving at least eight&nbsp;people dead and many wounded&nbsp;according to local officials and news reports.&nbsp; &nbsp; The bombing occurred outside a local&nbsp;school and comes at a time when&nbsp;the country is navigating election&nbsp;difficulties and suffering a massive drought.&nbsp;



The attack seems to have targeted&nbsp;a convoy&nbsp;that provides security for United Nations operations in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The Al-Qaeda&nbsp;associated Islamist extremist group Al-Shabab&nbsp;has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according&nbsp;to&nbsp;a news website associated with the group, with the objective being to target Western officials being escorted by convoy.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Police spokesperson&nbsp;Abdifatah&nbsp;Aden Hassan confirmed&nbsp;to local reporters that&nbsp;at least eight deaths and 17&nbsp;wounded in the blast.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Al-Shabab&nbsp;has increased the frequency of their attacks in Somalia in recent months, coming at a time when the African Union mandated peacekeeping force was supposed to withdraw from the country&nbsp;– however, this may be extended given the degree of instability and possibility of further challenges to the long-delayed presidential vote.&nbsp;

Tag: Somalia Bombing

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Bombing Outside Mogadishu School Leaves 8 Dead