In brief
- Somali Guardian reported on 2021-09-19 that the airport in Bula Burte, Hiran region, was destroyed by explosions hours after its reconstruction was completed.
- At least one person was killed and five wounded; Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, and security officials said explosives had been planted inside the airport before renovation was completed.
- The report does not identify who funded or carried out the reconstruction, and provides no information on what has happened at the airport since the attack.
On 19 September 2021, Somali Guardian reported that the airport in Bula Burte, Hiran region, was destroyed in a bomb attack on Sunday, hours after its reconstruction had been completed. At least one person was killed and five others were wounded in the explosions, according to the report.
Somali Guardian said the attack was the second of its kind to target the airfield within a year. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing, the report stated. Security officials, unnamed in the report, said explosive devices used in the attack had been planted inside the airport before its renovation was completed.
The report did not identify which entity funded or carried out the reconstruction, nor did it provide a start or completion date beyond the day of the attack. The headline stated the airport was destroyed "a day after" reconstruction was completed, while the body of the report said the attack occurred "hours after" completion.
Somali Guardian also reported that the airport is under the control of Djibouti's African Union forces and Somali government troops, without naming a source for that information. Buloburde has been under siege for multiple years since allied forces drove Al-Shabaab from the town, and troops inside the small town receive supplies by air.
The report was datelined Mogadishu and provided no information about what has happened at the airport since the attack on 2021-09-19.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly was destroyed at Bula Burte airport?
Somali Guardian reported that explosions destroyed the airport itself, killing at least one person and wounding five others. The report does not detail the specific damage to runways, buildings, or equipment.
Who carried out the attack and what was the claimed motive?
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing, according to Somali Guardian. The report does not provide a stated motive for the attack.
What is the current status of the airport and any reconstruction plans?
The Somali Guardian report from 2021-09-19 does not provide any information about the airport's status after the attack or any subsequent reconstruction plans.