Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Explosions Rock Central Somalia Town, 12 Dead

by Harun Maruf

   Residents in the central Somalia town of Galkayo say two explosions
   Sunday targeted a local government building that houses offices of the
   mayor and other officials in the semi-autonomous Puntland region of
   Somalia.

   The building is located in a crowded market area of the town. Local
   sources say at least 12 people were killed and dozens of others were
   wounded, with the death toll likely to rise.

   Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

   A local journalist said the first explosion happened when a suicide
   bomber rammed a car into the building.

   As rescuers arrived the scene, a second explosion was detonated not far
   from the scene.

   Security forces have cordoned off the area.

   Local sources have confirmed that a convoy of vehicles escorting
   Puntland regional ministers just left the building when the first
   explosion occurred but it's not clear if they were the target. The
   town's councilors also planned to meet in the office, but sources say
   that meeting was moved to another location before the explosion.