MOGADISHU, Somalia – Mogadishu residents and government officials gathered at Zoobe junction in Mogadishu to attend the 7th anniversary of the truck bombing on Oct 14, 2017.

The devastating explosion killed at least 587 people and ranks as one of the deadliest-ever terrorist attacks in Africa involving the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Another 316 people were injured in the blast, for which no group has so far claimed responsibility but the government has pointed the finger of the blame at Al-Shabaab.

Local people, including those who bear the scars of the bombing, gathered at the always busy intersection where the horrific attack took place to mark the 7th anniversary.

The Somali police forces beefed up the security in the area where a monument has been erected, to allow residents to commemorate their fallen family members and friends.

An explosives-laden truck went off in the city’s K5 junction, which is home to government offices, hotels, and restaurants. There was a traffic jam in the street during the attack.

The somber commemoration comes as the Somali government is now at war with Al-Shabaab, launched a multi-front offensive which led to the capture of large swathes of territory.