‘Scores of casualties’ after twin blasts in Somalia’s capital

Twin car bombings rocked Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Saturday causing “scores of casualties”, Qazet.az reports.

A vehicle loaded with explosives was driven into the education ministry compound and was followed by gunfire, police officer Ibrahim Mohamed said.

“In a few minutes another blast occurred in the same area,” he added.

“Many bodies” were at the scene and they appeared to be civilians travelling on public transport, while the second bombing occurred in front of a busy restaurant, The Associated Press reported.

A police officer guarding the ministry, who gave his name as Hassan, said he saw at least 12 bodies and more than 20 people wounded. One hospital worker counted at least 30 bodies.

Blood from victims of the blasts covered the tarmac just outside the building.