Somalia Bombing Anniversary: Country mourns death of over 600 in attack

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03:10

A man convicted of involvement in the deadliest bomb attack in Somalia's history has been executed on the first anniversary of the blast. Nearly 600 people were killed when a truck filled with explosives was detonated at one of the busiest intersections in the city. CGTN'S Abdulaziz Billow sent us this report from Mogadishu.

This memorial monument is a reminder of one of the country's worst terrorist attacks. It's exactly one year since a truck bomb killed six hundred people at this busy junction. And on Sunday, hundreds turned out to mark the first anniversary of the bombing. These women couldn't hide their tears - one year later the horrors of that attack still haunts them.

ADAR ABDULLAHI SURVIVOR "After the blast, I knew my son didn't survive - It didn't cross my mind that he could survive a blast of that magnitude. I stood at the Banadir junction in tears and heartbroken. The news of his death was confirmed to me ten days later."

HABIBA OSMAN SURVIVOR "I had a small tea shop near the Afgooye bus station - my son Imran Ilyas died in that blast. He is all I had and depended on him. He came to assist me that afternoon so that I go to the market for shopping - but that was the last time I'd ever see him."

A firing squad executed this man earlier in the day - Hassan Aden Isak - one of several men arrested for coordinating the biggest attack to rock Somalia's in its modern day history.

The attendees wore red and white ribbons calling for peace and an end to years of bloodshed.

MOHAMED IMAN "It's unfortunate that innocent people mostly women died on that day - they didn't do any harm - they were out to earn a living for their children. We condemn that attack and condole with the victims of the heinous attack."

There's been no claim of responsibility for the attack - but the government has accused Al-Shabaab of targeting civilians. On the eve of the bombing - the group carried out a double suicide attack in Baidoa - south west of Mogadishu - killing 18 people and wounding fifty others.

Meanwhile, security remains tight in Mogadishu - government forces have increased surveillance at some of the city's major entry points to thwart potential terror attacks. The government has also vowed to offer free education to all the children who lost their parents in the bombing.

HASSAN ALI KHAIRE SOMALI PRIME MINISTER "I hereby notify the ministry of education to facilitate the implementation of free education to all the children who lost their families in the terrorist attack - we must give them equal learning opportunities like other children."

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW MOGADISHU, SOMALIA "14th October will continue to remain a dark day in Somalia history and this memorial monument behind me will serve as a reminder that its civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in this country - meanwhile - the public is demanding better security and an end to years of bloodshed. Abdulaziz Billow, Mogadishu, Somalia."