2011 Mogadishu bombing

Part of Somali Civil War (2009–present)
Location| Mogadishu, Somalia
Date| 4 October 2011 (UTC+03:00)
Target| TFG ministries

Attack type

| Suicide bombing, car bombing, terrorism, mass murder, murder-suicide
Deaths| 100
Injured| 110+
Perpetrator| Al-Shabaab

* v
* t
* e

Somali Civil War
(2009–present)

Timeline

* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

* * *

Operations and battles

* 2009
* S Mogadishu
* Mogadishu
* C Somalia
* Wabho
* Kismayo
* 2010
* Beledweyne
* Ayn
* Kenyan border
* Mogadishu
* 2011
* Lower Juba
* Gedo
* Elwaq
* Linda Nchi
* Deynile
* Beledweyne
* 2012
* Yurkud
* Kismayo
* 2013
* Bulo Marer
* 2014
* Operation Indian Ocean
* Galgala
* 2015
* Baure
* Leego
* Janale
* 2016
* El Adde
* Qandala
* 2017
* Kulbiyow
* Barii
* Af Urur
* Golweyn
* November 2017
* 2018
* Bulo Marer
* Gandarshe
* 2020
* Camp Simba
* Shabeelow
* 2021
* Awdheegle and Bariire
* Mogadishu
* Wisil
* Golweyn
* Amara
* Galmudug
* 2022
* Ethiopia
* Bal'ad
* Runirgod
* 2023
* Hilowle Gaab
* Hawadley
* Bulo Marer
* Osweyne
* 2024
* Dhanaane Busley base
* El Dher
* Ras Kamboni
* 2025
* Middle Shabelle
* Bal'ad

* * *

Major attacks

* 2009
* AU base
* Beledweyne
* Hotel Shamo
* 2010
* Mogadishu
* Kampala
* Muna Hotel
* 2011
* Mogadishu
* 2013
* Mogadishu UN
* Mogadishu embassy
* Westgate
* Beledweyne
* 2014
* Villa Somalia
* Hotel Amalo
* 2015
* Central Hotel
* Makka al-Mukarama
* Garissa
* Ministry of Education
* Garowe
* Jazeera Palace Hotel
* Sahafi Hotel
* 2016
* Mogadishu (Jan)
* Daallo Airlines Flight 159
* Mogadishu (Feb)
* Baidoa
* Mogadishu (Jun)
* Awdiinle
* Galkayo
* Mogadishu (Aug)
* Mogadishu (Nov)
* Mogadishu (Dec)
* 2017
* Mogadishu (2 Jan)
* Dayah Hotel
* Mogadishu (Feb)
* Mogadishu (14 Oct)
* Mogadishu (28 Oct)
* 2018
* Mogadishu (Feb)
* Mogadishu (Mar)
* Mogadishu (Jul)
* Baidoa
* Mogadishu (2 Sep)
* Sahafi Hotel
* Mogadishu (Dec)
* 2019
* Nairobi DusitD2
* Nairobi Latema Rd
* Mogadishu (4 Feb)
* Mogadishu (28 Feb)
* Kismayo
* Mogadishu (22 Jul)
* Mogadishu (24 Jul)
* Kenya bus
* Mogadishu (Dec)
* 2020
* Afgooye
* Baidoa Eid
* Mogadishu (8 Aug)
* Mogadishu (16 Aug)
* Galkayo
* 2021
* Bal'ad and Dinsoor
* Mogadishu (Mar)
* Mogadishu (Jun)
* Mogadishu (Nov)
* 2022
* Mandera
* Beledweyne (Feb)
* Beledweyne and Mogadishu (Mar)
* Mogadishu (Apr)
* Mogadishu (Aug)
* Beledweyne (Sep)
* Beledweyne (Oct)
* Kismayo
* Mogadishu (Oct)
* Mogadishu (Nov)
* 2023
* Mahas
* Buloburde and Jalalaqsi
* Mogadishu (Jun)
* Mogadishu (Jul)
* Beledweyne
* Osweyne (Aug)
* Mogadishu (Sep)
* 2024
* Mogadishu market (Mar)
* Mogadishu hotel (Mar)
* Dhanaane Busley base (Mar)
* Lido Beach (Aug)
* Mogadishu tea shop (Aug)
* 2025
* Beledweyne hotel (Mar)
* Mogadishu (Mar)
* Garissa (Mar)
* Mogadishu (May)
* Mogadishu (July)

The 2011 Mogadishu bombing occurred on 4 October 2011, when a suicide bomber drove a truck into the gate of the Transitional Federal Government's ministerial complex in Mogadishu, Somalia. The resulting explosion killed 100[1] people and injured over 110 others.[2] Al-Shabaab, an Islamist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.[3] The attack is reported to be the largest since Al-Shabaab launched an insurgency in Somalia in early 2007.[4][5] It also follows the withdrawal of Al-Shabaab's forces from the area in August after an AMISOM intervention to bring aid to the country during a season of drought.

## Background

[edit]

During the summer of 2011, the East African region faced a drought and shortage of food supplies, particularly in the Somali region, forcing tens of thousands of people to cross the borders into Ethiopia and Kenya for refuge.[6] Al-Shabaab threatened to expel the aid groups working in the area before the African Union's AMISOM troops took action to force the Al-Shabaab fighters out of the region.[7][8]

In July 2010, Al-Shabaab also claimed responsibility for a bombing in Kampala, Uganda, in retaliation for Uganda's support to, and presence in, AMISOM.[9]

## Attack

[edit]

The attack took place at a security checkpoint leading to the complex of ministries where the Ministry of Education's building is on the K4 (Kilometre Four) district of Mogadishu.[10] Some eyewitnesses said the noise from the explosion was loud enough to be heard several miles from the scene of the attack. According to several reports the attack was aimed at 150 young Somalis who were to be flown to Sudan to be trained as spies, but instead resulted in the death of mostly students and parents awaiting news about scholarships to Sudan and Turkey from the Ministry of Higher Education. Turkey, which also increased its involvement in Somalia with a pledge to re-open its embassy in Mogadishu,[11][12][13] released a statement clarifying the events that took place. The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that the students were queuing outside the Ministry of Higher Education when the blast occurred, waiting for the results of scholarships offered by Turkey.[14] Other reports said that students were taking an exam at the time of the blast. Although many of the casualties were students and parents, some of the other victims were non-student civilians.[citation needed] Suldan Sarah, the communications director for President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, said that "security services are working around the clock, and are working within their capabilities, and as such have foiled a number of attempts over the past month [of other attacks]." AMISOM and TFG (Transitional Federal Government) forces cordoned off the area soon after the blast.[11]

On the same day, Al-Shabaab simultaneously launched attacks in the south and west of Somalia.[11]

## Responsibility

[edit]

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying: "One of our mujahideen made the sacrifice to kill TFG [Transitional Federal Government] officials, the African Union troops and other informers who were in the compound." A spokesman for the group, Ali Mohamud Rage, later said that: "Somalis, we warn you: keep away from government buildings and the bases of their soldiers, more serious blasts are coming."[11]

## Reactions

[edit]

Domestic

* Somalia President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said in a statement: "I am extremely shocked and saddened by this cruel and inhumane act of violence against the most vulnerable in our society". His communications director, Suldan Sarah, said: "To do a cowardly act like that does not mean you are a force to be reckoned with. It just means you can commit a mass murder using a suicide bomber. This is not the sign of strength, but rather a cowardly act."

International

* UN – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Martin Nesirky said: "it is incomprehensible that innocents are being senselessly targeted. The secretary-general is appalled by the vicious suicide bomb attack targeting government offices and ministries in Mogadishu today."[11]
* Turkey – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Ahmed and offered to bring the wounded from the bombing to Turkey for medical treatment.[14]
* United States – White House's spokesman Jay Carney condemned the attacks saying: "Those killed in the 'despicable and cowardly act' included students taking an exam in hopes of getting scholarships to study abroad."[15]

## See also

[edit]

* Mogadishu bombing (disambiguation)
* Somali Civil War

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Murder in Mogadishu". Voice of America. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
2. ^ "Somalie: l'attentat de mardi a fait au moins 82 morts". Libération (in French). Retrieved 10 November 2011.
3. ^ Clar Ni Chonghaile (4 October 2011). "Mogadishu truck bomb: al-Shabaab insurgents claim responsibility". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
4. ^ "Rebels kill scores in Somali capital blast". Reuters. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
5. ^ "Huge Somalia suicide car bomb kills dozens in capital". BBC News. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
6. ^ "Somalia fleeing to Kenya in large numbers". BBC News. 28 June 2011. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
7. ^ Associated Press (29 April 2013). "Famine Toll in 2011 Was Larger Than Previously Reported". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
8. ^ Meleagrou-Hitchens, Alexander (26 September 2012). "Factors Responsible for Al-Shabab's Losses in Somalia". ctc.usma.edu. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
9. ^ Bariyo, Nicholas (12 July 2010). "Deadly Blasts Rock Uganda's Capital". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
10. ^ "Islamic militants launch their deadliest bombing in Somalia's capital, killing at least 70". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
11. ^ a b c d e "Al-Shabab blast kills scores in Mogadishu". Al Jazeera. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
12. ^ "Truck Bomb Kills Dozens in Somalia's Capital". NYTimes. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
13. ^ "Suicide bomb kills at least 70 as Islamic terrorists target Somalia". The Independent. UK. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
14. ^ a b "Ankara agrees to treat Mogadishu blast victims in Turkey". World Bulletin. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
15. ^ "US condemns car bombing in Somalia". AFP. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.

* v
* t
* e

Somali Civil War (2009–present)

* Part of the Somali Civil War
* War on terror

Timeline|

* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Background|

* History of Somalia (1991–2006)
* Greater Somalia
* Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa
* Somali Civil War
* Factions
* Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts
* Propaganda
* Disarmament
* 2006 Islamic Courts Union offensive
* Battle of Mogadishu (2006)
* Ethiopian–Somali conflict
* Insurgency in Ogaden
* Somali Reconciliation Conferences
* 1993
* 2002
* 2007

Operations
and battles|

* Battle of South Mogadishu
* Battle of Mogadishu (2009)
* Battle for Central Somalia (2009)
* Battle of Wabho
* Battle of Kismayo (2009)
* Battle of Beledweyne (2010)
* 2010 Ayn clashes
* 2010 Kenya–Al-Shabaab border clash
* Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011)
* Battle of Jubbada Hoose
* Battle of Gedo
* Battle of Elwaq
* Operation Linda Nchi
* Battle of Deynile
* Battle of Beledweyne (2011)
* Battle of Yurkud (2012)
* Battle of Kismayo (2012)
* Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt
* Operation Indian Ocean
* Galgala campaign
* Battle of Baure
* Battle of Leego (2015)
* Battle of Janale (2015)
* Battle of El Adde
* Qandala campaign
* Battle of Kulbiyow
* 2017 raid on Barii
* Battle of Af Urur
* 2017 Golweyn ambush
* November 2017 Somalia airstrike
* 2018 African Union base attack in Bulo Marer
* December 2018 airstrikes in Gandarshe
* Camp Simba attack
* 2021 Mogadishu mutiny
* 2021 Golweyn ambush
* 2021 Galmudug clashes
* 2022 al-Shabaab invasion of Ethiopia
* Battle of Bal'ad
* Battle of Runirgod
* Battle of Buulo Mareer
* 2025 Shabelle offensive

Attacks|

* 2009 African Union base bombings in Mogadishu
* 2009 Beledweyne bombing
* 2009 Hotel Shamo bombing
* May 2010 Mogadishu bombings
* 2010 Kampala bombings
* Muna Hotel attack
* 2011 Mogadishu bombing
* June 2013 Mogadishu attack
* 2013 Mogadishu Turkish embassy attack
* Westgate shopping mall attack
* 2013 Beledweyne attacks
* 2014 Villa Somalia attack
* 2014 Hotel Amalo attack
* Central Hotel attack
* Makka al-Mukarama hotel attack
* Garissa University College attack
* 2015 Ministry of Higher Education attack
* Garowe attack
* Jazeera Palace Hotel bombing
* Sahafi Hotel attacks
* January 2016 Mogadishu attack
* Daallo Airlines Flight 159
* February 2016 Mogadishu attack
* Baidoa suicide bombing
* June 2016 Mogadishu attacks
* 2016 Galkayo bombings
* November 2016 Mogadishu car bombing
* December 2016 Mogadishu suicide bombing
* 2 January 2017 Mogadishu bombings
* Dayah Hotel attack
* February 2017 Mogadishu bombing
* 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings
* 28 October 2017 Mogadishu attacks
* February 2018 Mogadishu attacks
* March 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* July 2018 Mogadishu bombings
* 2 September 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* Sahafi Hotel attacks
* December 2018 Mogadishu bombing
* Nairobi DusitD2 complex attack
* Nairobi Latema Road blast
* 4 February 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 28 February 2019 Mogadishu bombings
* Asasey Hotel attack
* 22 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 24 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 2019 Kenya bus shooting
* December 2019 Mogadishu bombing
* 2020 Afgooye bombing
* 2020 Mogadishu army base bombing
* 2020 Mogadishu hotel attack
* 2020 Galkayo bombing
* March 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* June 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* November 2021 Mogadishu bombing
* 2022 Mandera attack
* February 2022 Beledweyne bombing
* March 2022 Somalia attacks
* April 2022 Mogadishu bombing
* August 2022 Mogadishu attack
* September 2022 Beledweyne attack
* October 2022 Beledweyne bombings
* 2022 Kismayo hotel attack
* October 2022 Mogadishu bombings
* Siege of the Villa Rossa Hotel
* Mahas bombings
* 2023 Mogadishu hotel attack
* 2023 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing
* 2023 Beledweyne bombing
* 2023 Mogadishu tea shop bombing
* 2024 Mogadishu market bombing
* 2024 Mogadishu SYL Hotel attack and siege
* 2024 El Dher attack
* 2024 Mogadishu prison attack
* Top Coffee bombing
* 2024 Lido Beach attack
* 2024 Mogadishu tea shop bombing
* 2025 Beledweyne hotel attack
* Attempted assassination of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
* 2025 Garissa attack
* 2025 Mogadishu military base bombing
* 2025 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing

OEF–HOA|

* 2009 Baraawe raid
* Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt
* 2013 raid on Barawe
* 2017 raid on Barii

Other events|

* Death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor
* London Somalia Conference
* Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim controversy
* Daallo Airlines Flight 159
* Awdiinle massacre

Key players|

* Al-Shabaab
* Mukhtar Robow
* Ali Dhere
* Fuad Qalaf
* Hizbul Islam
* Hassan Dahir Aweys
* Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki
* Federal Government of Somalia
* Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
* Omar Sharmarke
* Mohamed Sheikh Hassan
* Ma'awisley
* Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
* Galmudug
* Abdi Hasan Awale
* Puntland
* Abdiweli Gaas
* AMISOM
*  United States AFRICOM
* Islamic State in Somalia

* Previous phase: War in Somalia (2006–2009)

2°2′0″N 45°21′0″E﻿ / ﻿2.03333°N 45.35000°E﻿ / 2.03333; 45.35000
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template