Car bomb blast in Somali capital kills at least 22

Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia

At least 22 people have been killed and 23 injured after a car bomb targeted the seaport in the Somali capital Mogadishu Sunday morning.

Dunia Ali Mohamed, the head of Mogadishu Marina Hospital, confirmed to Anadolu Agency that at least 22 dead and 23 injured had been taken in by the hospital.

Earlier, Col. Bashkir Abshir Gedi, Mogadishu police chief had confirmed a death toll of 11.

Al-Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming it had killed 30 people and injured 50 others.

Earlier on Sunday, Abdifatah Omar Hallane, Banadir regional administration spokesman, confirmed to Anadolu Agency that the blast was caused by a car bomb.

Abdirahmaan Mo’alim Abshir, an eyewitness who was at the scene, told Anadolu Agency over the phone that he had seen six lifeless bodies.

“I was at the seaport entrance when the car exploded. I saw at least six dead bodies including women. After the blast, Somali security forces arrived at the scene,” Abshir said.

In Washington, the White House said it "strongly condemns the terrorist attack", and pledged to stand with the people of Somalia.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement the "cowardly attacks are an attempt by terrorists to weaken Somalia as it works toward a more representative government."

The Mogadishu seaport -- the largest in the country -- is managed by the Turkish company Albayrak.

Sunday's blast comes a day after another car bomb attack -- for which the al-Shabaab group also claimed responsibility -- targeted U.S.-trained Somali special forces on the outskirts of Mogadishu, claiming the lives of at least four people.

*Anadolu Agency Washington Correspondent Michael Hernandez contributed to this report