MOGADISHU, Somalia - A suicide car bomb rammed into a local government office in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m., causing casualties, Garowe Online reports.

A witness confirmed to Garowe Online that a bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle into the gates of Wardhigley district located near the country's heavily fortified presidential palace, Villa Somalia.

"There are casualties but so far we do not have a figure,” said the witness.

Huge clouds of smoke seen above the city following a loud blast that was followed by sustained gunfire.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings and gun attacks in the capital Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia as the group tries to topple the UN-backed Federal government.

This is a developing story, more updates to follow soon.

GAROWE ONLINE