2nd LD: At least 13 killed in twin explosions near Mogadishu airport

At least 13 people, most of them UN contractors, were killed and five others were injured in twin explosions on Tuesday near the airport in Mogadishu, security officials have confirmed.

Police chief Bishar Gedi told reporters at scene that most of the casualties were UN contractors who operate near the scene of the explosions.

A police officer at the scene, Abdifitah Ahmed told Xinhua that the first explosions hit the entrance of the airport while the other one hit a check point nearby.

A witness told Xinhua there were huge blasts near the airport. "I heard two huge explosions and there were bodies of people strewn over the place," said Saido Sheikh who sells tea near the airport. Security forces have cordoned off the area to secure the airport.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the latest attack. Endit