Mogadishu (SD) – Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for yesterday’s suicide bombing at General Dhega-badan military base outside the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab said the bombing was carried out by a member of the group’s suicide squad and was aimed at young recruits.

The group said the blast killed 40 of the youths and wounded 50 others recruiting for the Somali government, although this was not confirmed.

“A suicide bomber struck in a Turkish military base in Mogadishu, at the time of the operation, trainees and members of the Ninth Gorgor regiment were present, the death toll is 40 and the number of wounded is 50,” the militants statement said.

Commander of the Armed Forces Gen. Odowa Yusuf Rage confirmed the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber at the Gen. Dhega-badan military training camp today.

At the time of the blast, the youths were in line to be checked before getting into the camp for military training, Commander Odowa confirmed.

According to sources, the death toll has risen to 18 and injuries are close to 40.