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.


Suicide Blast Kills 14 in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region

by Mohamed Olad Hassan

   Somali officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least 14 people and
   wounded more than 15 others in a market in the Lower Shabelle region,
   about 90 kilometers southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

   The deputy governor of the region on security affairs Abdifitah Hajji
   Abdulle said the attacker targeted a busy Khat market in the town of
   Wanlaweyn around 4:00 pm local time, its busiest shopping time.

   "A suspected al-Shabab suicide bomber targeted khat kiosks, blew
   himself up and claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded more
   than 15 others," he told VOA.

   The town has a military airbase known as Baledogle Airfield and now
   hosts a Somali Special military unit and its U.S trainers and advisers.