Mortar blast kills 27, mostly children, in Somalia

A devastating incident occurred in Muraale Village of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, resulting in the loss of approximately 27 lives, predominantly children, and leaving 53 individuals injured, as reported by the official news agency of the country.

According to regional authorities, the calamity unfolded when children were engaged in recreational activities involving a dormant mortar shell, which unexpectedly detonated. 20 children perished instantaneously. Local residents disclosed to the media that such unexploded shells, similar to the one the children were handling, have been remnants of armed conflicts waged by various factions within the country.

Muraale, the village directly affected by this incident, lies between Qoryooley and Jannaale and remains under the control of Alshabab. Authorities emphasize the need for Alshabab to be held accountable for this reprehensible act.

This occurrence is not an isolated event, as Somali children have regrettably lost their lives in similar incidents in the past. The country has endured numerous conflicts over the past decades, and the lingering presence of unexploded ordnance poses an ongoing threat to the population.