Car bomb explosion leaves 5 dead at Intelligence checkpoint near Somalia's capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least five people were killed in a morning suicide car bomb explosion targeted an Intelligence security checkpoint on the outskirts of the capital, Mogadishu.

The vehicle loaded with explosives blew outside the main entrance of the National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA] site, witnesses said.

A NISA vehicle blocked the car bomb at the checkpoint to save senior officers and soldiers on the spot, resulting in an explosion. The incident, which occurred in the Garasbaley area left 14 injured, officials said, without giving much details.

A second car bomb blast took place in a nearby area, which was foiled before it reached its target, police said. The incident took place along the Mogadishu-Afgoye highway.

The Al-Shabaab militants have taken responsibility for the attack, claiming they killed 'several' members of NISA. However, the militants are known for exaggerating information to their benefit, with reports showing they have lost battles in recent weeks.

NISA boss Abdullahi Sanbalolshe visited the scene of the attack and assessed the extent of the damage and casualties, according to the state media.

Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has managed to liberate several strategic towns within the country, with thousands of the militants killed in the process.

Currently, the military is actively involved in the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab within central and southern regions, with the exercise yielding fruits in Jubaland. Last month, over 135 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed on the outskirts of Kismayo, a port city, about 500 km south of the capital, Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE