MOGADISHU, Somalia — At least six people were killed and several others wounded in double car bomb blasts in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu on Friday noon Amidst tight security, Garowe Online reports.

Somali security officials said the first car bomb exploded after it was intercepted by Intelligence soldiers manning the main checkpoint in the vicinity of in the Km4 junction, near the city's Aden Abdulle Airport.

An eyewitness, speaking to GO confirmed that only the bomber driving the explosives-filled vehicle died in the blast while wounding at least three NISA - National Intelligence and Security Agency members.

The road has been a target of attacks in the past by Al-Shabab, the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

Barely an hour later, a second car bomb occurred at another security checkpoint near Sei Piano area, close to the busy Benadir junction located west of the capital shortly after the Friday prayer.

Police said Somali troops have foiled the attack after shooting dead at least three militants in the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) after it has tried to pass through a checkpoint.

The explosion killed at least two soldiers and wounded several others, according to the Somali security agencies.

The Al Qaeda-linked extremist group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the twin car bomb blasts, the latest in a string of frequent attacks targeting high-profile areas such as hotels and army checkpoints.

Friday's attacks come amid deepening political crisis in the country as the top government leaders in deadlock over an impeachment motion against the speaker of the parliament.

GAROWE ONLINE