At least 11 people were killed and several others seriously injured in a suicide bombing near a military recruitment center in Somalia’s capital on Sunday, according to SMS Somali TV.

The attack occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m. local time in the Hodan district of Mogadishu, targeting a crowd of young recruits gathered at the Damaanyo military camp during a registration drive for the Somali National Army.

Authorities confirmed that security personnel intercepted the bomber before he could reach a more crowded civilian area, but the explosion still resulted in significant casualties. The wounded were taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, similar incidents in the past have been linked to al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group active in the region.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the bombing, as the city remains on high alert in the wake of the deadly incident.

This latest attack highlights the ongoing challenges Somalia faces in its efforts to rebuild its national defense forces amid persistent threats from insurgent groups. (ILKHA)