11 killed, 16 injured as explosives laden car blows up in Mogadishu

At least 11 people have died and 16 others injured in a car bomb explosion opposite Wehliye hotel off the busy Maka al Mukarama street in Mogadishu.

Emergency service provider Aamin Ambulance said 11 bodies had been moved from the scene while 16 injured peopled were ferried to various city hospitals. The casualty figures could rise, the provider said.

Sources said a car filled with explosives went off outside Filsan restaurant opposite Wehliye hotel which has itself been affected in various attack in the past. Several of those affected were outside the restaurants or passersby.

Among those injured is Yusuf Aynte, a famous Islamic scholar and the father of former Planning Minister Abdi Aynte.

The attack comes barely five days after two people were killed in a car bomb attack at Taleh Junction along KM 4.

Today’s attack also comes amid circulating intelligence reports indicating the presence of vehicles loaded with explosives in the city.

It’s not immediately clear if any group has claimed responsibility.