Friday October 21, 2022
Beledweyne (HOL) - Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, Vice President of Hirshabelle regional state Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, and the Governor of Hiiraan Region Ali Jeyte Osman, paid a visit to the sites of the recent triple explosions in Beledweyne on Thursday.
Prime Minister Hamza held meetings with regional authorities leading the community mobilization effort against al Shabab to discuss the acceleration of the ongoing offensive.
"I say to the people of Hiraan, don't despair; you are not alone; the Somali people are standing by your side; we are with you at the front, back, and all around you," Prime Minister said.
The government stated that the Prime Minister's visit to Beledweyne was essential to the country's liberation plan because Hiiraan was the first place to launch an offensive against the militants.
The Prime Minister's visit to the town comes barely a day after the local pro-government militia displayed a vehicle packed with explosives captured on the outskirts of Beledweyne. Authorities believe the truck was intended to be the fourth blast in the triple explosions that rocked the city on 3 October.
At least 30 people were killed and 58 others wounded in the triple car bombing attack in central Somalia, among them two senior local government officials.
Two suicide bombs exploded at the Lama Galaay military base, which hosts the regional administration offices and several local government officials.
One suicide car bomb was detonated near the entrance gate, and another truck rushed toward the headquarters building and exploded as security officials and first responders rushed to the scene. The third car bomb exploded several minutes later en route to the military base.