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The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia that left five dead as it steps up activities in a region dominated by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab.
The group's self-styled news agency ‘Amaq’ claimed responsibility for the “martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest” in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group, which noted it was the first suicide bombing by the militants in Somalia.
The blast occurred near a hotel, often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.
Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.
The region has often come under attack by Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militants and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to IS.
Aside from issuing occasional promotional videos, the group seized the small fishing town of Qandala before being ousted by Puntland forces in December.
Then in February IS claimed an attack by gunmen on a hotel in Bosaso which left four security guards dead.
Rashid Abdi of the International Crisis Group, said that while Mumin's group was stepping up its activities, the Shabaab remained the biggest threat in the region.
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