Al-Shabaab are a Somali Islamist group whose insurgency began during the late 2000s. Their attacks have included many in the country's capital Mogadishu, including the deadliest bombing in African history, in October 2017. They have also often attacked Beledweyne, including suicide attacks in June 2009, October and November 2013 and February 2022.
On 23 March, gunmen attacked the eastern area of the Aden Adde International Airport, killing five people, including an AMISOM soldier. Two attackers also were killed.[3][4] Black smoke was seen rising out of the ground near the runway.[5]
The injured were rushed to the Beledweyne Hospital, where terrorists set off a car bomb, killing at least 30 people.[12] The blast's impact was powerful, with the explosions destroying not only the hospital, but also nearby buildings and cars.[13][14]
Authorities estimated that at least 48 people were killed by the bombings and 108 others injured.[15]
Beledweyne restaurant attack
Al-Shabaab militants attacked a restaurant in Beledweyne, killing the retired politician Hassan Dhuhul and many others.[7]
