The death toll from twin blasts in Somalia has risen to at least 13 after two car bombs went off in the vicinity of Mogadishu International Airport early on Tuesday.
The first explosion took place at a checkpoint leading to an African Union base, while the second hit the international airport's perimeter wall.
The Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which also injured at least five.
Private guards are maintaining a security presence at the scene of the incident, where damage can be seen both on the perimeter and on the main road leading to the airport.
However, the terrorists claimed their planned target was the AU mission's headquarters, and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and UN bases sustained some damage.
The wreckage of one of the vehicles left on the street shows it was stopped before reaching its intended target, according to police.
"The attack here has been foiled. Neither of the attackers reached their intended target. The first was detonated in the middle of the road and two people were injured. A total of 13 people died in the attack today," said Bishar Abshir Gedi, the Mogadishu police chief.
AMISOM and Somali authorities have condemned the attack, and work has already began to prevent against the possibility of further attacks.
"It's attacks like this that shows Al-Shabaab's disregard for civilian lives. We will continue to fight them until we win this battle. The militants will be on the run soon – the army and intelligence forces will crush and foil all the enemies' plans," said Abifatah Omar Halane, the Mogadishu Regional spokesperson. More on: [ Ссылка ]
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