Dozens feared injured as mortar explosions rock major international airport
THREE large explosions are reported to have struck near a major international airport this morning in a likely attack that left several injured.
Somali security forces rush to the site of a blast near Mogadishu airport in 2014
Three loud explosions were heard near Aden Adde airport, which serves international destinations including Dubai.
Multiple injuries were reported close to the transport hub in Mogadishu, which is Somalia's most populated city.
Reports suggested the explosions were part of an attack on peacekeeping troops based nearby.
The airport has been targeted several times in recent years, including in December 2014 - pictured - when four people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into a UN convoy.
In that attack Islamist terror group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility.
The exact number of injuries and casualties and the cause of today's explosions are not yet known.
Smoke rising from the scene near the AU base
Mogadishu was once considered the most violent capital on the planet
The Aden Adde International Airport
Mogadishu, known locally as Hamar, is the capital and most populous city of Somalia
Al-Shabaab kill ten in Mogadishu restaurant attack
Reports suggested the mortars may have been targeting the African Union Mission In Somalia, which has its base near the airport.
The African Union's main peacekeeping HQ in Somalia's capital has witnessed a rise in Islamist attacks in recent years.
Local media Shabelle reported that a booby-trapped vehicle exploded explosion was caused by a booby trap bomb planted near a military checkpoint in the Heliwa district in Mogadishu.
It said there were no reports of casualties or injured and so far no group has claimed responsibility.
More to follow...