ADVERTISEMENT

Car bomb attackers kill 6 in assault on police building

The Shabaab were forced out of the capital five years ago but continue to carry out regular attacks on military, government and civilian targets.

Somali soldiers secure a partially-crumbled perimeter wall following twin car bombings outside UN buildings in Mogadishu on July 26

Some of the attackers rammed two cars into the building in central Mogadishu and others tried to storm it, he told reporters.

"All of the seven gunmen have been killed, some of them were shot by the security forces and others detonated themselves," he said.

"Five civilians died in the road and one policeman, so that the overall casualty number of deaths is 13," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier, security official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP that "terrorist elements" had smashed two cars packed full of explosives into the headquarters of the police's criminal investigations department.

An AFP correspondent heard an exchange of gunfire after the explosions, which took place near a busy junction in the city.

"One of the cars hit the corner of the building and the other hit near the gate. There was smoke and dust and everything was in a mess," said witness Abukar Osman.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The blasts came just days after at least 13 people were killed in twin bombings near Mogadishu airport and UN and African Union buildings.

ADVERTISEMENT

That attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government.

In recent months they have claimed deadly assaults on military bases as well as civilian targets including hotels.

Last month, a junior minister was among 11 people killed in an attack on the Naasa Hablood hotel.

That began when a suicide bomber detonated a car laden with explosives outside the building.

Gunmen then stormed the hotel in an assault lasting for several hours. Special security forces ended the siege after killing three attackers inside the hotel.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier in June, the same group claimed an attack on the city's Ambassador hotel, which left 10 dead including two lawmakers when a huge car bomb ripped the front off the six-storey building.

This year is considered critical for the group, which is eager to disrupt an expected change of government due in the coming months.

Somalia was supposed to hold national elections this year but is instead going to hold what diplomats call a "limited franchise election" in which ordinary citizens do not participate.

The UN now hopes a one-person-one-vote election will be possible in 2020.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT