Grenade attack kills deputy governor, son in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia

A deputy governor in Somalia and his son was killed in a grenade attack that targeted his house in the administrative capital of the southern Hirshabele state, officials said.

“Mohamed Sugal, deputy governor of Middle Shabelle region and his son have been killed in a grenade blast that targeted his house in Jowar Town,” Mohamed Abdi, a senior security official in the region, told media.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, Bashiir Roble, a police officer, told Anadolu Agency over the phone.

UN compound attacked in Mogadishu

At least 7 people -- including 3 African peacekeeping mission forces in Somalia and one international staff -- were wounded after a mortar attack targeted the compound of UN and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) in Somali capital Mogadishu, according to Local media.

James Swan, UN’s special envoy to Somalia, condemned the mortar attack and confirmed that several mortar rounds landed at the heavily fortified UN compound in Mogadishu, injuring several people, according to a statement issued by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.

“I am appalled by this blatant act of terrorism against our personnel, who work together with the Somali people on humanitarian, peace building, and development issues. Thankfully, the majority of our staff is unhurt. I wish our wounded colleagues a full recovery from their injuries,” the UN envoy said.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the mortar attack.