MOGADISHU (Hakbeeg) – Somali security forces have shot dead two Al-Shabab suspects after suspected Al-Shabab fighters attempted to force their way through a checkpoint near Somali presidential Palace.
Two huge explosions have occurred near the presidential palace followed by gunfire shortly after 12 pm.
Mohamed Hussein, a police officer who spoke to the Associated Press, said a car bomb detonated near a checkpoint close to the presidential palace after security forces engaged with gunmen.
A second car bomb blast occurred in the same area shortly afterwards.
According to the security officials, the midday blast killed six people including five Al-Shabab fighters.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attacks saying its fighters were conducting a “major operation” around the palace and nearby SYL Hotel.
SYL hotel is a popular hotel frequently used by government officials.
The twin explosions come a week after two similar attacks on the interior ministry compound in Mogadishu killed over 16 people.
Al-Shabab which has been fighting the Somali military for over a decade wants to overthrow the Somali government.
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