African Union peacekeepers in Somalia (AMISOM) appealed to Hizbul Islam and Al-Shabaab to stop fighting during Ramadan the Holy Month of Muslims and respect the civilians as huge explosions ripped through a base used by the insurgents, Radio Garowe reports.

An explosion occurred in a house at Hawl-Wadaag district of Mogadishu, where members of Al-Shabaab were preparing explosive-laden vehicles to attack bases of AMISOM and Somali government troops.

AMISOM peacekeepers in Mogadishu

"Several top fighters, both foreigners and Somalis died after two explosive-laden vehicles exploded in the middle of the house," said an Al-Shabab member who requested not to be named.

The dead Al-Shabaab fighters were not named. Another report said that dozens of the militant were injured in the explosion.

The house belongs to Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Abu Mansoor, the deputy leader of Al-Qaeda-inspired Al-Shabab militia, sources said. No reports if he was around when the explosion happened.

On the other hand, AMISOM spokesman Maj. Barigye Bahuko said they had received intelligence of imminent attacks planned by the insurgent groups, vowing that the peacekeepers are ready to defend themselves from any attack.

"We got credible information that the insurgents planned new attacks at our bases in Mogadishu, and we are ready to defend any attacks from them," said

"We have the ability to defend our bases in Mogadishu from any insurgent attack."

The spokesperson said foreign fighters from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Iraq joined Al-Shabaab to take part in the fighting.

He says AMISOM has ability to defend Somali government bases in Mogadishu but not the other regions of the country, and he requested new troops to join the peacekeepers.

"I think AMISOM requested 40,000 troops to take over the whole country, but for Mogadishu, it only needs 8,000 soldiers to restore peace and stability," said Maj, Ba-huko.

Meanwhile, a landmine exploded in Mogadishu's government-controlled Waaberi district, killing the person who was planting it on a bridge.

Somali government police spokesperson Col. Bariise, who displayed the dead body of the ‘bomb planter’ in Mogadishu, said they have arrested two people in connection with the incident.

GAROWE ONLINE