KISMAYO, Somalia -- The President of Somalia's Jubaland Administration Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) survived car bomb attack on Thursday, highlighting first-ever deadliest attack plotted by Al Shabaab terror group in Kismayo, Garowe Online reports. Explosive-laden car hit President Madobe's motorcade near Saadam II apartment building in Southern port city of Kismayo shortly after a delegation led by Madobe landed at Kismayo Airport, officials said. The targeted convoy was driving into Jubaland Presidential palace when what appeared to have been caused by a suicide car bomb left 20 people including civilians and security guards dead and dozens wounded.
Speaking to the media in Kismayo, President Madobe strongly condemned the attack and called it "Futile and terrorist attack" aimed at him. "The attack was an attempt on my life but i am well and unhurt at all," said Madobe.
The President accused Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group of organizing the terror attack and sent his condolence to the victims of the explosion.
After the huge explosions, reports indicated that President Madobe was wounded in the car bomb explosions but he appeared assured while he was addressing the media members after the bombing.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack via twitter: "The Mujahidiin carried out a martyrdom operation against the apostate militia leader Ahmed Madobe and his officials in Kismayo," Al Shabaab said on its twitter feed.