MOGADISHU (REUTERS) – Two car bombs exploded in the Somali capital on Friday (Feb 23) and shooting broke out near the president’s residence, police said.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the incidents. In the past, Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents have claimed responsibility for bombings and gun attacks in the capital.
“We understand it is a suicide car bomb near the presidential palace area. Then another blast followed, with gunfire. It is too early to know details and target,” Police Major Mohamed Ahmed told Reuters.
A huge cloud of smoke could be seen in the sky and gunfire continued near the president’s residence, a Reuters witness said.
Police and witnesses said the second blast was also a car bomb that was parked in front of a hotel away from the palace. It caused no casualties.
BREAKING: Reports of Heavy, sustained gunfire in the vicinity of presidential palace, Mogadishu.
— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) February 23, 2018
BREAKING: Gunfire and explosion heard in Mogadishu, witnesses saw plume of smoke following the explosion. pic.twitter.com/0OVrixd7HH
— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) February 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/ahurie1/status/967059958788444163
(This story is developing)
SOURCE:REUTERS
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