Mogadishu. At least seven people were killed and twelve others injured when a car bomb hit the headquarters of Wardhigley district, police and witnesses said on Tuesday. Police officer who requested not to be named told Somali Times that the blast occurred during food distribution at the local government building,
“People were getting humanitarian aid when the blast occurred, we can confirm that at least seven died in the explosion,” the officer said. Witnesses said the blast was huge and caused panic among the residents who had lined up to receive food aid. “We heard huge blast and learned that civilians were hurt in the blast,” Mohamed Nur, a witness told Somali Times. The al-Qaida affiliated group al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the latest attack.
The extremist group which has lost several towns said it had targeted police officers, who were meeting at the compound. The blast came while Mogadishu is on high alert as police forces blocked the main roads of the capital to prevent possible attacks by the militants.