At least 12 civilians were killed and more than eight others injured on Sunday morning after a landmine explosion struck a passenger vehicle in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia, local officials and residents have confirmed.
The explosion occurred in the Kud-kudaaleey area, under Masagaway district, when a minibus (Laylo-calaawi) carrying nearly 20 passengers was traveling from central regions toward Mogadishu, the capital.
According to local sources, the blast was caused by a roadside landmine, allegedly planted by Al-Shabaab militants. Preliminary reports indicate that the attack followed the passengers’ refusal to pay extortion fees demanded at checkpoints controlled by the group.
Witnesses said the impact of the explosion was severe, resulting in multiple fatalities at the scene. Among the victims were women and children, including a mother and her young children, one of whom was an infant, underscoring the heavy civilian toll of the attack.
Residents in the area reported that Al-Shabaab has intensified extortion along key travel routes, particularly roads linking central regions to Mogadishu via Middle Shabelle. Travelers are reportedly forced to pay $6 per passenger, while vehicles are charged up to $35, according to local accounts.
Sources also said the group has been coercing civilians to use only routes under its control, warning of harsh consequences for those who defy its orders. Such tactics have raised serious concerns about civilian safety and freedom of movement in the region.
Emergency responders and local residents rushed the injured to nearby health facilities, though medical services in the area remain limited. The exact number of casualties may rise as some of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition.
No immediate comment has been issued by Somalia’s federal authorities regarding the attack. However, the incident adds to a series of recent assaults targeting civilians along major transport corridors, highlighting ongoing security challenges despite continued military operations against Al-Shabaab.
The Galgaduud region has frequently witnessed attacks involving roadside explosives, which militants often use to target both civilians and security forces. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned such attacks, calling them clear violations of international humanitarian law.