Over a dozen killed in al-Shabab attacks in Somalia

Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab Takfiri terrorists have claimed two deadly attacks close to the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Somali police officials said the first explosion took place at a checkpoint outside Mogadishu’s national theater, some 500 meters from the president's heavily fortified residence, sending a plume of smoke into air.

The second blast, more powerful and described as “very big” by witnesses, came minutes later at a nearby crossroads. At least 13 people were killed in the attacks.

"The first suicide car bomb at the checkpoint killed five people mostly security soldiers. Four others were injured. Death toll may rise. It is too early to have details of second blast," Major Mohamed Hussein told Reuters.

Police said a lawmaker, a deputy mayor of Mogadishu, and a colonel are among those killed.

A witness at the scene of the second blast said he saw at least two dead bodies, with al-Shabab Takfiri terrorist group announcing that the attack was aimed at targeting those who had responded to the first.

"We have confirmed seven people died in the two blasts and more than ten others wounded," local police spokesman Ibrahim Mohamed said. "The security forces have cordoned off the area and an investigation is ongoing."

Somalia's London-based Universal TV said three of its staff were among the fatalities in the Saturday twin blasts.   

SS