At least 12 killed in twin blasts in Mogadishu

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At least 12 people were killed and 17 others injured in twin blasts in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Saturday, Xinhua reported, citing a police source.

The first blast took place when a suicide car bomb was detonated outside a building housing the interior and security ministry. The second hit near a police checkpoint adjacent to the presidential palace.

"The attack begun after a car bomb exploded outside of the building but now the security forces have managed to contain the attack and killed all the assailants. We can confirm that at least 12 people were killed in the attack," an unidentified police officer said.

Twin blasts hit Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, killed at least 12, July 7, 2018. /VCG photo

The headquarters of the security and interior ministry is located in fortified areas and also close to the presidential palace and the parliament building.

Abdikadir Abdurrahman, director of Amin Ambulance, said that they have transported 17 injured people to the hospital.

Twin blasts hit Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, killed at least 12, July 7, 2018. /VCG photo

Witnesses reported the attack and said they heard huge blasts followed by gunfire in the area.

"I have seen huge plume of smoke rising above the site of the explosion and after minutes other one followed. Security forces cordoned off the area," an eyewitness, Osman Shuke said.

Al-Shabab militant group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack that comes despite increased military operations against the militant group across the Horn of Africa nation.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency