MOGADISHU (SD) – Eight civilians, mostly ordinary citizens, were killed in an explosion today near a convoy accompanying the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, at the El-Gab intersection in the Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu.

The attack affected one of the vehicles in the president’s convoy, which was heading towards Mogadishu’s airport, as the president was traveling to attend the opening of military operations in the Middle Shabelle region.

Most of the civilians injured in the blast were near a building close to the road, which collapsed when the explosion occurred, as shown in photos circulated on social media.

Following the explosion, the National Security Advisor, Hussein Macallim, confirmed that the president was safe and that his trip would continue as planned.

“The President of the Republic is safe, and he is continuing his trip to oversee the ongoing successful operations being carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) in the regions, with the full support of the local communities. The evil intentions and lies spread by the enemies of this nation will not instill fear,” said Advisor Hussein Macallim.

The powerful explosion was heard across much of Mogadishu. Security officials have not yet provided detailed information about the attack, although they briefly detained journalists who were reporting from the scene of the explosion.