Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Huge Explosion Reported Outside Mogadishu Restaurant

by Harun Maruf

   Witnesses in Somalia's capital have reported hearing a huge explosion
   in the city center, just before 6 p.m. local time Monday.

   Witnesses said a car bomb exploded outside a popular eatery and coffee
   place called The Italian Restaurant.

   A witness told VOA's Somali service that he saw six injured people.

   Militant group al-Shabab often attacks public places such as hotels and
   restaurants in Mogadishu.

   The explosion occurred as President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was with
   his national security team in Mogadishu.