At least six people have been killed when a car laden with explosives rammed into a cafe and blew up in the centre of Mogadishu.
ADVERTISEMENTAt least six people have been killed when a car laden with explosives rammed into a cafe and blew up in the centre of Mogadishu.
Initial reports suggest at least ten people have been wounded.
Officials and eyewitnesses say bursts of gunfire followed the attack at the Italian Coffee cafe.
Reports from the scene describe bodies lying on the ground.
BREAKING: At least 5 people, incl senior #Somalia military official General Abdi Adan, killed in #Mogadishu car bomb. 10+ wounded – Sources pic.twitter.com/6is5MR1xTh
— Live From Mogadishu (@Daudoo) 8 mai 2017
Car bomb kills at least five people in Somali capital#Somalia#AlShabaab#Mogadishuhttps://t.co/wqGV0BE9d2pic.twitter.com/lUBDjVaLMz
— Gulf-Times (@GulfTimes_QATAR) 8 mai 2017
Has anyone admitted planting the bomb?
There were no immediate claims.
However, the Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab has admitted planting the device.
UPDATE: Al Shabaab claims responsibility for car bomb attack in Mogadishu
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) 8 mai 2017
Militant Islamist group Shabaab claims responsibility for the deadly car bomb attack in Mogadishu https://t.co/5V8AHn6iyo
— AFP news agency (@AFP) 8 mai 2017
Al Shabaab often carries out attacks in the capital and further afield.
In recent years, the Al Qaeda-linked group has lost large swathes of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the UN-backed government.
The insurgents frequently launch deadly gun, grenade and bomb attacks in Mogadishu and other regions controlled by the federal government.
Many attacks are aimed at military bases but some also target civilians.
Have there been other attacks recently?
Yes.
Earlier on Monday, three Somali soldiers on an ordnance-clearing mission were killed after a roadside bomb planted by the insurgents exploded at a point 90 kilometres north of the capital.
How long has the conflict in Somalia been going on?
Since 1991.
That was when clan-based warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre before turning on each other.
What they are saying
“A suicide car bomb was driven into the cafeteria before exploding. We do not know about casualties yet,” Major Aden Ibrahim told the Reuters news agency.
In tweets
SOMALIA TERROR – 7 killed, 13 hurt as car bomb explodes near restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia https://t.co/D3eyPf8GcM
— WORLD NEWS (@WorldNews7777) 8 mai 2017
Four Days to the London Somalia Conference. Here is a 60 second video giving a snapshot of #Somalia#FutureForSomalia
DConcar</a> <a href="https://t.co/5ziLM4mLr5">pic.twitter.com/5ziLM4mLr5</a></p>— UK in Somalia (UKinSomalia) 8 mai 2017