Among the dead are a veteran lyricist who had served Somalia’s police force for over 40 years, as well as a police officer; however, security officials have yet to officially confirm the death toll resulting from the explosion. 

New police officers, poised to commence training at the heavily fortified General Kahiye Academy located within Mogadishu’s green zone, were granted access just hours before the attack. It remains unclear how a suicide bomber was able to infiltrate the area and traverse multiple security checkpoints without attracting attention. 

The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the bombing, asserting that it resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers, including police officers, and left 12 others injured.