At least 79 people were killed and 149 others injured in a car bomb attack in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu on Saturday, according to reports. 

Local officials confirmed that the dead included many students and two Turkish nationals. 

The initial report said the explosion happened during rush hour at a busy checkpoint in the city.

Many people, including students in buses, were passing through the area when the blast occurred, according to AFP.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo sent his condolences to those affected and wished the injured a quick recovery. He said terrorists targeted innocent children, mothers and their fathers who were going about their activities. 

"Today is a sad day that shows how terrorism has targeted our people. I share our grief with the families... I hope Allah will heal us from the wounds," he said in a statement issued after the attack. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack in a statement released by his spokesperson. 

Guterres stressed the UN's committed support to the country and urged criminal prosecution for the attackers. 

He also extended his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, the statement said.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Local officials said the death toll is likely to rise and rescue operations are underway. 

(Cover: An ambulance leaves the scene of a car bomb explosion at a checkpoint in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 28, 2019. /Reuters Photo)