Three police officers killed in two separate explosions in Mogadishu

At least three police officers have been killed in two separate bomb explosions in Mogadishu Wednesday morning, police sources have said.

In the first attack few minutes to 7am local time, the three police officers were killed and several others wounded when a car filled with explosives detonated near a restaurant frequented used by Somali police officers in Mogadishu’s Abdi Aziz district.

Ali Hirsi Barre, police chief of Benadir administration told Goobjoog News that the explosion occurred near the restaurant on the opposite side of Somali Police Transport Department offices.

“Three officers were killed in the blast at the restaurant. We have captured an injured man who is suspected to be among those carried out the attack,” said Barre.

Residents said they heard a huge car bomb blast shortly before day break. “I was near the scene when the car exploded. Three people at a nearby restaurant were killed,” Mogadishu resident Abdi Omar told Goobjoog News.

The first explosion went off minutes before 6am local time in Waberi district in the city near the second gate of Adden Ade Airport. No casualties were reported. The explosion involved a motor rickshaw which exploded in a parking bay.

The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsility for the attacks. At least 20 people were killed in SYL hotel attack February 28 in which Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.