Some 10 People Killed and 20 Injured in Attack on Somalian Interior Ministry

Two huge blasts have struck Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. Smoke was seen rising above the scene of the explosion, although it is unclear what had caused the blasts.

The Saturday siege of the Interior Ministry building in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu ended with all three attackers having been killed by security services, local media reported.

According to the Garowe Online media outlet, at least 10 people died and 20 more were injured as a result of the attack. The list of the victims includes employees of the Interior Ministry and servicemen.

"A second blast occurred outside Sayidka Hotel which is opposite the police building where the first blast took place," Major Nur Ali, a police officer said adding gunfire was continuing after the initial explosions.

Earlier, the Somali police have cordoned off all the roads leading to the blast site. Several ambulances and fire brigades have arrived at the scene. 

The al-Shabaab terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Casualties are feared in the capital city of #Mogadishu after a huge explosion, followed by a second blast and heavy gunfire. The attack is believed to be on a security checkpoint near Interior Ministry building and other government offices. pic.twitter.com/zWt5FIArnL

— Hussein Moulid Bosh (@WhoseinMoulid) July 7, 2018

"A car bomb exploded… it is too early to know (the) casualty," Major Mohamed Hussein, a police officer, said moments after the blast.

According to Goobjoog News, the explosion was reportedly a suicide bombing, in which a vehicle was loaded with explosives. 

#BREAKING: Second went off in #Mogadishu @HarunMaruf pic.twitter.com/DqEcbQHjyi

— Mogadishu Update (@Mogadishuupdate) 7 июля 2018 г.

It was reported that a powerful explosion occurred at a checkpoint in the center of Mogadishu; shots were heard. 

— Today from Somalia (@Showqi2013) July 7, 2018

#EXCLUSIVE: #SOMALIA: A Second Explosion Sound Heard In Front Of Mogadishu Police Building Hq. pic.twitter.com/OwUm6lNAlO

— 🚩Research And Analysis 🚩 (@RAW_RESEARCH) 7 июля 2018 г.

READ MORE: Twin Bomb Blasts Kill 2 in Somalia's Capital, 4 Militants Eliminated — Reports

Earlier in June, one American soldier was killed and four others were reportedly injured in an attack carried out by terrorist group al-Shabaab.

Somalia has suffered from multiple terrorist attacks with dozens of people dying and dozens injured almost every month.

Four local officials were killed in April by militants from the al-Shabab group in an attack on an African Union base in the country's south.