Galkayo (SD) – At least five people have been killed and more than 50 others injured in a bomb blast in south Galkayo, according to the latest reports.

Galmudug Health officials confirmed the death toll of one soldier and four civilians, while more than 50 people were wounded and are treated in hospitals in the south and central Galkayo.

The explosion, which was a suicide car bomb, has targeted a convoy with Somali National Army Chief Gen Abdiamid Mohamed Dirir shortly after leaving a Five Star hotel in south Galkayo.

The suicide bomber, who was planning to target the commander’s car, but instead hit another car, commander survived the attack, despite the blast injuring lots of his forces.

Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for the suicide bomb attack on the Somali National Army Chief and his forces.