MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – At least one person was killed and five others, including two MPs wounded after a blast targeted their gathering near a tea shop in the town of Jowhar in south Somalia on Saturday.
Omar Mohamed Omar and Yusuf Abdiqadir Karani, who are members of Hirshabelle regional parliament were among those wounded in the attack and have been rushed to a hospital.
The explosion was caused by an IED device planted near a tea shop in Kulmis neighborhood, where the MPs have been injured. A traditional leader, who was with the MPs, was killed and three others, including soldiers wounded, according to witnesses.
Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab said it had carried out the attack, claiming to have targeted a gathering of regional politicians.
Security forces reached the area soon after the blast went off and have begun an investigation into the incident. Authorities have not immediately commented on the bomb attack.
Jowhar is one of two locations in Hirshabelle region where parliamentary elections are expected to kick off soon.
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