Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 12 At Restaurant In Somalia

Local officials in central Somalia say at least 12 people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack inside a restaurant.

At least 10 others were injured by the attack in the town of Beledweyne on October 19.

Officials say a bomber with explosives strapped around his chest "unexpectedly" entered the restaurant and blew himself up.

The town is under the control of the central government, and African Union peacekeepers are deployed there.

The Reuters news agency reports that Islamist militants from the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabab have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al-Shabad frequently targets restaurants and other public places popular with foreigners and government soldiers.

Al-Shabab also claimed responsibility for a deadly attack last month on a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya.


Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP