MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – At least seven people were killed and six others injured after an Al-Shabaab suicide bomber detonated his vest inside a tea shop at the Police Academy in Mogadishu on Wednesday afternoon, eyewitnesses told Kaab TV.
Officers and civilians were inside the busy tea shop at the academy during the afternoon when the bomber struck.
“People were busy with their tea. Everybody was not aware of the man [bomber]. We then heard a big loud that threw us to the ground,” said Abdirahman Mohamed who was nearby.
According to a statement by the Somali police, the lone attacker managed to sneak into the tea shop at around 3:27 p.m. local time before detonating himself.
“The death toll is seven, including both officers and civilians, with six others injured,” the police statement confirmed.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suicide bomber, dressed in a police uniform, entered the tea shop unnoticed, where officers were having their afternoon tea.
The Police Academy, a key training center for the Somali police, has been a frequent target for militants.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that one of their suicide bombers successfully infiltrated the academy to carry out the deadly assault.
The Somali police have been struggling with frequent terror attacks, as Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly infiltrated the security services, including the police, making it increasingly difficult to prevent such attacks.