In Somalia: Car bomb explodes near presidential palace

Ali Hussein, a Police Officer confirmed the explosion and said there were casualties but police are still investigating.

Somali police officer said a suicide car bomb exploded on Monday outside the compound of the presidential palace in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.

Ali Hussein, a Police Officer confirmed the explosion and said there were casualties but police are still investigating.

He said there was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which is trying to overthrow President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Western-backed government.

The group stepped up attacks this month, retaking a town in the central region and attacking African Union troops.

Ahmed Aden, a resident in the area, said he had heard a loud blast followed by gunfire.

"Now we see huge smoke coming from the scene. Soldiers surrounded the area and we can only see ambulances rushing in and out."

Mohamed Abdullahi, another police officer, said the attack may have been aimed at palace guards who sit in the area.