Al-Shabab claims Mogadishu car bomb

A large explosion has rocked the Waaberi district in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killing five people including the bomber and with the armed group al-Shabab quickly claiming responsibility.

Witnesses reported a loud explosion, followed by gunfire and plumes of smoke on Sunday. The area is close to the heavily fortified international airport.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Abu Musaab, military operations spokesperson of the Somali armed group al-Shabab, said: “We conducted an operation against the apostates – including white mercenaries – in Mogadishu. There were heavy casualties. We will give more details later.”

Ahmed Adan, a Somali police official, told AFP news agency: “There was a car bomb explosion near the Afisiyone area. We are getting information that a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a pickup truck.”

Mohamed Yusuf, Interior ministry spokesman told reporters that they had received information that the car was laden with explosives and had been following it.

“It detonated and four civilians were killed, and the bomber,” he said.

Witnesses told Al Jazeera the bombing targeted Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency and that security forces opened fire to disperse approaching onlookers.

Source: Aljazeera