At least two killed after blasts, gunfire in Somali capital

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At least two people were killed in twin blasts in Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday.

The attackers rammed a suicide car into the checkpoint beside Peace Garden near Syl Hotel which is close to the presidential palace. Minutes later another one exploded in the same area.

A police officer at the scene said security forces shot dead at least two militants who detonated two bombs in military uniform.

The officer who declined to be named said the attackers attempted to get past a checkpoint manned by security forces in a bid to penetrate the heavily fortified presidential palace but their mission was foiled.

Twin blasts rock Somali capital Mogadishu on July 14, 2018. /VCG photo

Some security officers said the Syl hotel was the intended target of the attack. The hotel is frequented by the government officials and high profile businessmen.

Witnesses said they heard two huge blasts near the presidential palace followed by gunfire.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the latest attack in the restive capital, saying its militants conducted the operation but did not say the number of casualties.

The blasts came a week after a similar attack on the interior ministry compound in Mogadishu.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency