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In late 2013, al-Shabaab carried out two major suicide attacks in Beledweyne, Somalia, killing 35 people.^[1][2]

Background

The Islamist group al-Shabaab began their insurgency in the 2000s. Previous actions by al-Shabaab in Beledweyne, Hiran, Hirshabelle State, included a suicide car bombing in 2009 which killed 57 people at a hotel as well as battles in 2010 and 2011.

October bombing

At 11am on 19 October 2013 in Beledweyne, a suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt detonated it inside a crowded restaurant, killing 16 people.^[1] On the same day, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, saying their main target was Djiboutian and Ethiopian troops who were part of the African Union Mission to Somalia.^[1] Some AU soldiers were killed, but most of those killed were civilians.^[1]

November attack

At 11am on 19 November 2013 in Beledweyne, a suicide car bomber rammed a police station.^[2] Gunmen then stormed the building and shot people inside.^[2] At least 19 people were killed.^[2] On the same day, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.^[2]

See also

• 2022 Beledweyne bombing

References