Security forces inspect the scene of a car bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu (AP)
Security forces inspect the scene of a car bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu (AP)
A car bomb has exploded outside a restaurant packed with lunchtime customers in the Somali capital of Mogadishu killing at least five people.
The restaurant in the capital’s Hamarweyne district is close to the municipal government headquarters and in a busy commercial area.
Mohammed Mahdi said he saw at least five people covered in blood outside the headquarters, while shopkeeper Yusuf Ali said the car bomb exploded while the area was filled with shoppers.
Al-Shabab, which has ties with al-Qaida, has been carrying out a campaign of deadly violence targeting government officials and international troops, as well as hotels and restaurants in the capital.
Neighbouring Kenya, which has sent troops to fight the Islamic extremists in Somalia, has also been repeatedly attacked by al-Shabab.