A car bomb in Mogadishu, Somalia has exploded at a security checkpoint near the presidential palace. There are feared to be many casualties although officials have not confirmed it
Local media report that several people have died and others have been injured in the blast in Mogadishu, which happened at around 6.15am GMT.
The huge explosion is said to have happened at a security checkpoint near the presidential palace, at the Mogadishu Saidka Junction on Saturday morning.
After the blast, black smoke was seen billowing in the air while vehicles were left burnt.
Footage from the scene shows debris scattered across the road, and people standing looking on in horror.
According to a reporter from Anadolu Agency, “at least” four people were killed while several others were wounded.
However, officials have not yet confirmed the number of fatalities – although many casualties are said to be feared.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Security forces were reportedly chasing the car with gunfire before it exploded.
Another explosion happened on Friday night at a local government office near the country’s biggest market in Mogadishu.
Police said a grenade was hurled near Bakaara market, although no casualties were reported.
Al-Shabaab, a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for many recent attacks.
The group is said to have stepped up attacks on security forces as armed forces continue to push the group from its strongholds.
It comes as the country has been embroiled in a political crisis in recent days.
A national election, which was due to take place on February 8, failed to go ahead after the country’s leaders could not agree on the ground rules for holding it.
Experts say it has left the nation more vulnerable to security threats.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s term officially expired on Monday, with opposition leaders refusing to recognise him as a president, according to Foreign Policy.
The UN Security Council recently urged Somalia’s leaders to resume dialogue to arrange new elections.
