Child killed in mortar attack in Somali capital

MOGADISHU, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Mortar shelling killed a child and injured an unknown number of others in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Thursday, the police said.

A police officer and residents confirmed hearing sound of mortar shelling in Mogadishu's Wardhigley district while others were heard near a stadium.

"Only a child was killed in the mortar attack in Mogadishu," said the police officer who declined to be named.

The mortar attack took place a few hours after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at a security checkpoint in the Kahda district, causing casualties.

Residents said at least three people, including the bomber, died while some civilians and security officers were wounded in the suicide attack at the checkpoint manned by government troops outside Mogadishu.

Al-Qaida allied militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack at Sinka Dheer checkpoint in Kahda.

The extremist group has increased their assaults against African Union troops and their bases.

Last week, at least 32 people were killed in twin blasts in the restive capital.

Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has ordered police and intelligence agents to conduct house-to-house operation in parts of the capital to flush out terror elements. Enditem