(SomaliNet) The local administration in Baidoa city, southwest of Somalia has on Tuesday officially announced an order banning small passenger cars notably the kinds of Mark II from Mogadishu capital, a city controlled by the Islamic Courts Union. The order will get into effect on Wednesday when all Mark II cars would be banned to enter Baidoa in precaution steps to tighten the security days after a car bomb explosion at one of the main entrances to the city, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more.
The ban, initially issued yesterday was delayed for technical reasons.
The local officials in Baidoa said this measure was part of stepping up security in the region and to prevent more explosions. "The ban would affect only Mark II sorts but other big Lorries and mini buses would go normally and go under firm searches before entering Baidoa," local official said.
The drivers of Mark II passenger cars already complained about the latest ban describing it as unwanted and obstacle to their livelihood. "This ban is a real problem to our life, because I am driver of Mark II who drives between Mogadishu and Baidoa, I cover the need of my family with this job so if it stops I do not know what to do," Aden Mohamed Ali, a driver who works on the road between Baidoa and Mogadishu told Somalinet.
Mr. Mohamed said that the number of Mark II cars to Baido, which was 14 cars has reduced to 7 cars due to the reports on the car that exploded outside Baidoa was Mark II.