At least seven civilians were killed and four others injured after a landmine explosion struck a passenger vehicle in the Kudkudaaleey area, under Ruunirgood district in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, according to local sources.
The vehicle, a minibus locally known as “Layla Calaawi,” was carrying nearly 20 civilian passengers who were traveling from Mogadishu toward destinations in the Galgaduud region, including the towns of Masagaway and Ceel Dheer.
Sources said the explosion occurred when the vehicle drove over a roadside landmine that had been planted along the route. The blast caused extensive damage to the vehicle and resulted in multiple casualties. The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities, though access to emergency healthcare in the area remains limited.
The minibus had departed Mogadishu late the previous afternoon and was en route to central Somalia at the time of the incident. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the attack was deliberately targeted at the vehicle or part of a broader campaign of roadside explosives along major transport routes.
Local reports indicate that Al-Shabaab has recently intensified the use of landmines and extortion along roads linking Mogadishu to the central regions. Drivers and passengers are reportedly being forced to pay large sums of money to pass through areas controlled by the group.
According to transport operators, Al-Shabaab has imposed new fees of up to $120 per passenger vehicle for onward and return travel. Livestock transporters are reportedly charged $2 per animal, while large cargo trucks face fees reaching $500. Drivers say the increased financial pressure, combined with the growing threat of roadside bombs, is making road travel increasingly dangerous.
Transport workers have expressed serious concern that the situation could disrupt ground transportation between Mogadishu and central Somalia, affecting civilian movement, trade, and access to essential goods.
The Middle Shabelle region has seen repeated attacks involving improvised explosive devices in recent months, targeting both civilians and security forces. Such incidents highlight ongoing security challenges despite continued military operations against Al-Shabaab.
No official statement had been released by federal or regional authorities at the time of reporting. Investigations into the incident are expected to continue as security forces assess the situation along the affected routes.
