Capital hit by mortar attacks ahead of Somali election

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Four loud explosions rocked Somali capital Mogadishu on Tuesday evening, an official said, on the eve of a presidential election.

The blasts were caused by mortar attacks in three neighborhoods, Abdifatah Omar Hallane, a spokesman for the Banadir regional administration, told Anadolu Agency.

“There were four mortar attacks in Mogadishu tonight by al-Shabaab,” he said. “Two mortars hit in Wabari district, one in Hamar-weyne and another one landed in a residential area in Hamar-jajab district. There were no casualties.”

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but al-Shabaab has been responsible for terror attacks in recent months.

On Wednesday, parliament is due to select a president from 22 candidates, including current leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The city is under curfew with roads and businesses closed and a no-fly zone has been declared above Mogadishu.