4 Oct 2011

Scores dead after truck bomb attack in Mogadishu

11:19 pm on 4 October 2011

A truck bomb has killed at least 65 people at government buildings in the heart of Somalia's capital.

Insurgents from the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday.

Witnesses say there was a loud blast at a compound housing four government ministries in an area of the capital Mogadishu where students had gathered to take exams, Reuters reports.

At least 50 more people have been injured.

The compound is in an area under the control of government forces and African Union peacekeeping troops, Reuters reports.

More students are believed to be trapped in buildings.

Al-Shabaab rebels had threatened to carry out attacks on government installations after pulling most of their fighters out of Mogadishu in early August.

The rebels control large swathes of south and central Somalia.