In brief
- On 2 January 2021, Turkey condemned a bomb-laden vehicle attack that killed four people, including a Turkish citizen, at the Mogadishu-Afgoye road construction project in Somalia.
- Four Turkish citizens were injured and taken to Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu, according to sources cited by Somaliland Sun.
- Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, but the report does not identify the Turkish contractor or give any update on the project's status after the attack.
On 2 January 2021, Somaliland Sun reported that Turkey strongly condemned a “heinous” terror attack targeting employees of a Turkish company undertaking the Mogadishu-Afgoye road construction in Somalia. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said a bomb-laden vehicle attack against the company killed four people, including one Turkish citizen, and injured four other Turkish citizens whose medical status the ministry was closely following.
The attack took place in the village of Lafole, 22 kilometers (13 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, according to a local police officer cited by the report. Wounded Turkish nationals were taken to Erdogan Hospital in the Somali capital, according to an unidentified source in the same report. Al-Shabaab’s military operation spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, claimed the group was behind the attack, but the publication did not independently confirm the claim.
The construction project is funded by the Qatari government and carried out by the Turkish company, according to Somaliland Sun. The name of the contractor was not disclosed, nor was the total value of the road project or any specific contract terms. The report does not state the current status of the road construction after the attack, whether the injured workers have recovered, or whether any investigation or security response followed.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey stands by the “friendly and brotherly people and Government of Somalia” and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The statement described the road project as one that “contributes to the development and prosperity” of Somalia.
The report, based on ministry statements and unnamed sources, leaves open key questions for foreign construction firms operating in Somalia: the identity of the targeted company, the security measures in place at the site, and whether the attack will delay work on the Qatari-funded corridor.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the attack on Turkish construction workers occur?
The attack took place in the village of Lafole, 22 kilometers (13 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, according to a local police officer cited by Somaliland Sun.
How many people were killed or injured?
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said four people were killed, including one Turkish citizen. Four other Turkish citizens were injured and their medical status was being followed.
What project were the workers involved in?
The workers were employed by a Turkish company undertaking the Mogadishu-Afgoye road construction. The project is funded by the Qatari government, according to the report.