22 killed in twin blasts in Somalia's Baidoa

Death toll had risen to 22 while more than 30 others had been injured after Saturday's twin suicide bomb attacks in Baidoa town, located at the southern part of the Horn of Africa nation, officials said on Sunday.

Governor of Bay region Ali Wardhere Doyow told reporters that the locals are donating blood to the victims of the twin bombings in Baidoa town, adding that those with serious injuries would be transferred to Mogadishu for further treatment later on Sunday.

"The death toll from Saturday's terrorist attacks is now 22, and over 30 others still remain in hospitals, the victims are receiving emergency healthcare and blood donations, some with serious wounds will be taken to the capital Mogadishu today," Doyow said.

Ugaas Hassan Abdi, information minister for Southwest State in Somalia, told Xinhua by phone that two young al-Shabab militants wearing vests carried out the attacks at two main social gatherings in the center of the town.

"The terrorists targeted innocent civilians, children, youth, community leaders and soldiers at bars near a police station and Bilan hotel in the center of town, the death toll could rise time time," said Abdi.

The police said a man wearing an explosive device walked into Beder restaurant and blew himself up, killing several people and injured others in Baidoa which is considered as the hub of economic activities.

According to the police, another suicide bomber blew himself up at the Bilan hotel, killing more than six people.

The al-Qaida allied terrorist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying its fighters killed more than 20 people.

Hussein Mohamed, security minister for the Southwest State in Somalia, urged people to be vigilant and unite for the fight against terrorist militants going to massacre them.

"We can defeat terrorists if we are united to the fight against al-Shabab," Mohamed said, calling on people to support one another and donate blood to the victims.

Al-Shabab had claimed responsibility for the latest attacks, saying its fighters killed more than 20 people.

The insurgents had stepped up their assault against the government and African Union Mission in Somalia bases across south and central parts of the Horn of Africa nation.