6 killed, 20 injured in Mogadishu car bomb attack

At least six people were killed when a car bomb exploded at Somali capital's busy street of Maka Al-Mukarama, police source said on Thursday.

Police officer Mohamed Ahmed told Xinhua that a car filled with explosives exploded near a security checkpoint at Maka Al-Mukarama Road in Mogadishu, killing at least six and injuring 20 others.

"We know so far that six people died in the attack but the death toll could rise. We will provide more information on it," the officer said.

Abdikadir Abdirrahman, director of Aamin Ambulance, told Xinhua that they had taken several injured and dead people to the hospital.

Witnesses said that the blast, one of the heaviest to occur in the capital this year, also destroyed several buildings including hotels and restaurants along the road.

"It was so huge, and every one ran for safety. The blast destroyed several buildings. Many security forces have arrived at the scene," a witness, Nur Ali, told Xinhua.

Al-Qaida affiliated group al-Shabab claimed the responsibility for the latest attack.