MOGADISHU, May 24 (Xinhua) — At least five people were killed and 15 others injured on Sunday in a roadside blast in Baidoa town in southwest Somalia.
A police officer, who declined to be named, said that a land mine exploded near an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp on the outskirts of Baidoa during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“The blast occurred near an IDP camp where many people were holding traditional Eid celebrations. We can confirm five people died and 15 others were wounded,” the officer told Xinhua by phone, adding that the casualties could rise as there were many people at the scene.
Ismael Mukhtar Omar, spokesman of the Somali government, confirmed the incident to Xinhua, saying the explosion occurred where people were holding Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“As we were watching people playing traditional plays, we heard a huge blast sound, and then smoke rose up into the air. We ran to different directions for safety. There were many casualties,” Hani Ibrahim, a witness, told Xinhua via phone.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Enditem
