3 killed, 7 injured in car bombing south of Mogadishu

At least three people were killed and seven others injured when a car loaded with explosives went off at a checkpoint south of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, on Wednesday evening.

Benadir Police Commissioner Hassan Malim said the casualties in the incident which took place at Siinka-dheer were all civilians.

"The attack left three people dead and injured seven others after a vehicle exploded at Siink-dheer location outside Mogadishu this evening," Malim said.

Malim told Xinhua the vehicle which was heading to the capital was carrying the charcoal when it exploded at the checkpoint which is manned by government soldiers.

The police commissioner said more security officers have been deployed to the scene as investigations into the possible cause of the blast got underway.

Despite being forced out of the capital and other major urban areas in Somalia by national and African Union peacekeeping forces, Somali Al-Shabaab militants have continued to carry out deadly bombings and attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere.

Their main targets have included hotels, military checkpoints, and the presidential palace including social gatherings.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)