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Car Bomb Strikes Somali Capital

by Harun Maruf

   WASHINGTON --

   Witnesses in the Somali capital say a car bomb exploded near a compound
   in Mogadishu's Hawlwadag district Sunday.

   Dr. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Aden of Mogadishu ambulance services told VOA
   it recorded one fatality, with 14 wounded people including six children
   following the suicide car bombing. Somali government sources say at
   least three people were killed.

   The compound was used as the headquarters of the district, located in
   the center of the city.

   Witnesses say the suspected suicide car bomb destroyed most of the
   structure. Buildings nearby have also collapsed. Pictures taken from
   the scene show massive destruction.

   Victims are believed to be under the rubble.

   Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Their affiliate
   website says it was a suicide bombing.