BELEDWEYNE, Somalia -- Accidental explosion during a bomb-making process at a house in Hiraan region town of Bulo-Barde of central Somalia left 14 Al Shabaab fighters dead according to residents, Garowe Online reports.Bulo-Barde resident who asked to remain anonymous because of his security told Garowe online News Agency that the deadly blast also wounded seven militants.
"We learned of the death of 14 Al Shabaab fighters, seven others were wounded in the accidental explosion. The thunderous blast completely leveled the building to the ground," said the resident of Bulo-Barde.
Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group has yet to comment on the incident as violent dispute weakened the extremists influence in the southern part of the country where terror groups, armed clan militias and criminal gangs remain active.
Reacting to the foiled attempt, Somalia Federal Government officials say the bomb was aimed at targeting civilians in Hiraan regional capital of Beledweyne.
Al Shabaab previously carried out several suicide bombings in Beledweyne, killing dozens of people including African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers, Somali government soldiers, civilians and officials.