7 killed in suicide attack in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, April 28 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people including three senior military officials were killed and eight others injured in a suicide bombing in Galkayo town in central Somalia, official said on Saturday.

A military commander who declined to be named told Xinhua by phone that a suicide bomber wearing explosive vest targeted forces at a popular restaurant in Galkayo.

"I can confirm to you that seven people including the commander of the joint forces Abdihukun Abdullahi Horeye were killed in the attack. We are establishing more details on the incident," the commander said.

The blast occurred after a man with suicide vest detonated the explosives which were strapped in his waist as he approached the soldiers at a busy restaurant in northern Galkayo.

The joint forces have recently formed to secure the town of Galkayo that witnessed insecurity for the past few years.

Witnesses described the attack as "huge" saying the restaurant is frequented by government officials.

"We heard the blast and learnt that forces were targeted at a restaurant in our town. The place was cordoned off by the security forces," A witness Mohamed Omar told Xinhua.

Extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the latest attack that has caused panic in the in the town in Mudug region. Enditem