MOGADISHU, Somalia Oct 22 (Garowe Online) - A roadside blast killed at least 3 children playing on a nearby street Monday evening in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, witnesses reported.

The roadside blast, which was remotely detonated, was targeting a two-truck army convoy passing through a major intersection in the vicinity of the presidential palace Villa Somalia.

Three soldiers were wounded in the blast.

Nearby residents were terrified by the sound of the explosion, which could be heard in faraway neighborhoods across town.

Reinforcement troops from Villa Somalia rushed to the scene and took away the wounded soldiers. The troops did not investigate the attack as has been routine in previous explosions.

No group has claimed responsibility for the deadly blast, but police sources said it is linked to the Mogadishu insurgency which aims to topple the Ethiopian-backed transitional government.

Meanwhile, tensions are high in Mogadishu today after Mayor Mohamed "Dheere" Omar ordered authorities to either bring prisoners to court or to free them within 48 hours.

Presidential security forces have reportedly taken over Mogadishu's Central Jail with African Union commanders and troops visiting the jail.

Source: Garowe Online