Somali militants attack an Italian convoy, US air base

Last updated: October 1, 2019 5:41 pm

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Somali National Government (SNG) soldiers are pictured after Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents shot and blasted their way into the United Nations (UN) compound in Mogadishu on June 19, 2013. It is the most serious attack on the UN in the troubled country in recent years. Three foreigners and at least two Somali security guards were killed during an attack by Islamist insurgents on a United Nations compound in Mogadishu UN sources were quoted as saying. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB

Somali militants have launched two attacks against an Italian military convoy and a US air base on Monday, Somali local media reported.

The Islamic militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the first attack, which struck the gate of the US military air base in Baledogle airfield, west of the capital Mogadishu. However,

no one claimed responsibility for the second suicide attack that targeted the Italian convoy.

Al-Shabab group launched the attack against the US’ base using an explosive-laden vehicle, which exploded at the base’s entrance.

Moreover, the second suicide bombing was against an Italian peacekeeping convoy in Mogadishu, which operates within the framework of the European Union’s Mission in Somalia.

In a statement, the Italian Defense Ministry confirmed the attack saying that two armored vehicles in an Italian convoy exploded on Monday, causing no injuries, asserting that Rome is investigating the cause of the blast, the Italian news agency (AKI) reported.