An explosion occurred near the palace of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu as his motorcade was leaving the building. The head of state was not injured. This was reported by the Somali Guardian portal.

As noted, the explosion occurred at the El-Gaabta intersection near the presidential palace. The attack caused casualties; security forces have cordoned off the scene. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by militants from the Al-Shabaab group, TASS reports.

The president continued his trip to the Middle Shabelle region to meet with the military conducting operations against Al-Shabaab militants.