Trucks and tankers movement restricted in Mogadishu, Somalia

A truck bomb that exploded in the centre of Mogadishu on October 15, 2017. (Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Somali authorities have on Monday imposed a daytime ban on the movement of large trucks and road tankers inside the capital Mogadishu in an attempt to improve security.

The move follows a series of devastating attacks by militants including truck bombings on October 15 that killed more than 350 people in the city, the deadliest attack in the history of Somalia.

“Trucks and tankers cannot pass … from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. This is to ensure security and (to offer) a solution to the complaints of the public,” Tabid Abdi, the capital’s mayor, said in a statement.

He also stated clearly the penalty to be faced by drivers who do not comply with the ban.

“Any truck or tanker driver who does not comply will be fined $1,000.” he said.

The government recently sacked two top security officials following a 12-hour siege with the Al Shabaab at a Mogadishu hotel that left at least 29 people dead.

The Al Shabaab who claimed responsibility said 40 people had been killed on the sunday attack, including three of their fighters who stormed the hotel.

The country has been at war since 1991, when clan-based warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre and then turned on each other. The Al shaabab millitia group aims to defeat the government in Mogadishu and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam.