Death Toll Climbs to 276 From 'Revolting Attack' in Mogadishu

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Sunday, October 15, 2017

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Common Dreams

"This is really horrendous, unlike any other time in the past," says doctor.

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Andrea Germanos, staff writer

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The death toll from the devastating blasts in Mogadishu has reached 276. (Photo: Reuters)

Protesters took to the streets of Mogadishu on Sunday, where the death toll from what's being called the country's worst-ever bomb attack had reached 276.

Over 300 people were also wounded, stoking fears the death toll could rise even higher. The Somali government blamed al-Shabab; the extremist group has yet to claim responsibility.

"Analysts thought the latest attack might have been in retaliation both for the loss of territory and for increasing American drone attacks since Mr. Trump loosened restrictions meant to strictly limit civilian casualties," the New York Times reports.

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The twin blasts took place Saturday. A truck bomb exploded in a busy commercial district with a second car bombing in the Medina district hours later.

"The hospital is overwhelmed by both dead and wounded. We also received people whose limbs were cut away by the bomb. This is really horrendous, unlike any other time in the past," said Dr. Mohamed Yusuf, the director of Medina hospital. 

U.N. Special Representative of Secretary-General in Somalia Michael Keating denounced the bombings, saying, "The perpetrators struck a densely populated neighborhood of Mogadishu. They have killed an unprecedented number of civilians. It is a revolting attack both in terms of its intent and impact."

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo declared three days of national mourning.

The Guardian has video:

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