In what could spark fresh controversy, Somalia's spy agency has linked a foreign nation to Saturday's deadly attack in the capital Mogadishu, Radio Garowe has reported on its Twitter account.
The National Intelligence Agency of Somalia (NISA) on Monday tabled the preliminary report, which dissects events preceding the attack.
A foreign country, the agency claimed, planned and executed the deadly "massacre" that left over 85 people dead and hundreds of others injured.
"Waxaan madaxda qaranka ugudbinay, warbixin bilow ah oo tilmaamaysa in Xasuuqii Shacabka Soomaaliyeed loogu gaystay Muqdisho, 28-Dec-2019, uu qorshayntiisa lahaa Dal shisheeye. Baariitaanka socda si loo dhamaystiro, waxaan la kaashan doonnaa Hay’adaha sirdoonka Caalamka qaarkiis," the agency tweeted in Somali.
It translates to: "We submitted to the national authorities an initial report indicating that the massacre of the Somali people in Mogadishu, 28 Dec. 2019 was planned by a foreign country," NISA said in a tweet, as translated by Radio Garowe, Somalia private media station.
A car bomb exploded at "Ex-Control" police checkpoint near Afgoye junction which is also situated near a tax collection centre.
Of the dead were 17 police officers and dozens of students who were travelling to various destinations, police said in a statement.
The spy agency under Fahid Dahir, a close ally of President Mohamed Farmajo, did not give further details with regard to the explosive claims.
NISA added: "In the ongoing investigation, we will work with some of the world's intelligence agencies to unravel the mystery."
This is the first time Somalia is dragging a foreign country to terror-related incidents, something that could draw the attention of international partners.
Previously, such attacks have been linked to Al-Shabaab militants, who have caused havoc in a bid to create a parallel functional government.
But until now, no militant group has claimed responsibility, a move that could yet again lead to serious investigations over NISA's claims.
In recent attacks for instance at SYL Hotel this month, Al-Shabaab militants were quick to take responsibility following the death of seven people.
Even though NISA has linked a foreign nation to the deadly attack, Farmajo on Saturday dragged the Al-Shabaab militants to the incident, warning of serious repercussions.