By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia

At least five people were killed, six others wounded when a car bomb blast targeted a busy shopping mall in the Somalia capital Mogadishu on Monday, officials said.

Police officer Abdihakim Ali told Anadolu Agency over the phone that the attack targeted Mogadishu shopping mall, located near Mogadishu municipality headquarters in the Hamarwayne neighborhood.

“We can confirm that at least five people were killed more than six others wounded who were rushed to Erdogan and Madina hospitals for treatment,” he added.

Somali-based insurgent group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack via its radio station.

The group said it had attacked government officials gathering and killed eight people including officials.

On Oct. 14, 2018, at least 300 people were killed after a truck bomb blast targeted a busy intersection in the Somali capital Mogadishu which officials blamed al-Shabaab for being behind the attack.