At least 65 killed in terrorist attack in Somalia

The blast occurred near the government building as a truck allegedly carrying explosives was driven into a gate of the building, eyewitnesses told BBC.

The al-Qaeda-backed Islamist militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, the BBC quoted the militant group's spokesman as saying.

According to a Mogadishu ambulance official, 65 bodies had been recovered and at least 50 other people had been injured in the blast.

Attacks on government officials are a common occurrence in the impoverished African state, which has been without an effective government since 1991.

In June, the country's national security minister was killed in a suicide bombing, along with 23 other people. Al-Shabab then also claimed responsibility for the attack; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.

To learn more go to www.en.rian.ru