At least 15 people were killed by a suicide bomber from the al-Qaeda linked Shebab, officials said yesterday, as details emerged of the heavy blast in Somalia's war-torn capital Mogadishu.
"The horrible suicide blast, carried out by desperate and violent criminals, killed at least 15 innocent civilians, while 20 others are injured," said Mogadishu mayor Mohamed Ahmed Nur, updating an initial toll of 11.
Nur said two lawmakers were also slightly injured in the blast Wednesday afternoon at a small cafe where people had gathered to drink tea, in the heart of the government quarter and close to the presidential palace.