Update (0712 EST, 24 Sep 23): The BBC has reported that the death toll has reached at least 30 killed with dozens more wounded.
At approximately 0656 EST, initial reports indicated that a suicide bombing targeted the city center of Beledweyne, Somalia.
BREAKING: Loud explosion heard in Baladweyne town. pic.twitter.com/9iRLtNocgF
— Live From Somalia (@Live_F_Somalia) September 23, 2023
By 0700 EST, local authorities confirmed that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) was used in a suicide bombing against a security checkpoint in the commercial center of the city.
BREAKING: Reports of suspected car bombing in central Beledweyne town, Saturday #Somalia pic.twitter.com/KDsoWwsryW
— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) September 23, 2023
As of this publication the number of killed and wounded remains unclear. However, judging by the damage, the death toll is expected to be dozens at least.
#UPDATE : The Suicide bomb in #Beledweyne town caused mass destruction and casualties not identified yet so far.
Courtesy: Hiiraanweyn #Somalia pic.twitter.com/WScRBcbLdC— Mohamed Osman (@MohamedOsma4) September 23, 2023
