A bomb which exploded at a military barrack in Somalia has killed more than 10 people and injured over 30 in its aftermath.
The devastating attack, believed to be an act of suicide bombing rocked the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu killing at least 10 people, mostly young recruits and injuring up to 30 others.
The attack targeted a queue of young army recruits, many of them teenagers, who were registering to join the Somali National Army (SNA) at the military training camp in the southwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
Until now the blast has been attributed to the Al-Shabaab Islamic militant group, though it is yet to be confirmed.
The explosion occurred at the gates of the Damanyo barracks, which is the main army recruitment station.
Medical staff at a nearby military hospital reported to have received over 30 injured individuals, with at least six dead bodies, some of the victims succumbing to their injuries during medical treatment.
Al-Shabaab, known for its frequent attacks on government and civilian targets, claimed responsibility for the bombing, and boasts of continuing its pattern of targeting security forces in Somalia.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as dozens of youths, eager to enlist, were caught in the midst of the deadly explosion.
The attack has heightened concerns about the ongoing security challenges in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat despite government efforts to intercept their plans and hunt down the insurgents.
Somali authorities have condemned the attack, vowing to strengthen security measures at military and civilian sites. The government in Mogadishu has urged the Somali people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to prevent further tragedies.