6 killed as blasts rock Mogadishu near presidential palace

International Desk: Two explosions have hit Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, killing at least six people, local media reported.

The first car bomb detonated at a checkpoint near the national theatre, sending thick white smoke billowing into the sky.

The second explosion took place just minutes after, reportedly in the same area.

Police said politicians and other officials had been traveling nearby on what is a business day in the Horn of Africa nation.

Mohamed Bulbul, a journalist based in Mogadishu, told Al Jazeera that Mohamed Tulah, the Deputy Governor for security in Somalia's Benadir region, was wounded in the first blast.

"Government officials are stationed near the area and it is a very guarded place. From what we know the security bomber hit the security checkpoint," he said.

Images circulating on social media showed destroyed vehicles and debris littering the streets.

The explosions have shattered nearly a month of calm in Mogadishu, which is often the target of attacks by al-Shabab.

The al-Qaeda linked armed group, which has carried out several attacks in Somalia and neighbouring countries, is fighting to topple the Somali government and wants to impose a strict version of Islamic law in the Horn of Africa country.

The group used to control most parts of the country, but since 2010, the fighters have been removed from most major towns and cities.

Source: Al Jazeera


risingbd/Dhaka/Dec 22, 2018/AI