Mogadishu Checkpoint Car Bombing Leaves Multiple Dead, Streets Blocked, Rescue Teams Search Wreckage For Survivors

Mogadishu, Somalia— A deadly car bombing outside a security checkpoint in Mogadishu at 8:47 a.m. on October 30, 2026 killed at least 12 people and wounded 28, ripping through a line of vehicles waiting for inspection near the Km4 junction.

The blast struck as security forces were checking minibuses and private cars entering the government district. The vehicle, a white Toyota Surf loaded with explosives, detonated 20 meters from the barrier. The force threw a three-wheeled bajaj into a shopfront and shattered windows across two blocks.

“The checkpoint was busy. Then everything was smoke,” said Ahmed Nur, a police officer who was 30 meters away. “We pulled people from cars. The road was full of glass and fire.”

Police said most victims were civilians. Five were women selling tea near the checkpoint. Two were police constables. The wounded included a child. All were taken to Madina and Erdogan Hospitals. Doctors said several arrived with shrapnel and burn injuries.

Security forces sealed the area within minutes. They closed Maka Al Mukarama Road and diverted traffic toward the airport road. Bomb disposal teams searched for secondary devices, a common tactic in past attacks. None were found.

Reuters reported the explosion was claimed hours later by Al-Shabaab, which said it targeted government officials. The group regularly hits checkpoints and hotels in Mogadishu. Al Jazeera noted this is the third car bombing at a checkpoint this month, as the federal government pushes an offensive in Middle Shabelle.

“We have increased vehicle checks across the city, but these vehicles are disguised as civilian transport,” said Mogadishu police spokesman Sadik Doodishe. “We will review how this car passed the outer screening point.”

Residents said the Km4 checkpoint has been a repeated target because it controls access to Villa Somalia and ministries. Long queues build every morning. Vendors gather close to the barrier to sell to waiting drivers. That crowd makes casualties higher.

Tonight the road remains closed and under guard. Forensics teams are examining the vehicle chassis number recovered from the blast crater. The hospitals have issued an urgent call for blood donors. The death toll is expected to rise.