Death toll in seaport explosion in Mogadishu rises to 16

The death toll in the Sunday morning bomb explosion near the sea port in Mogadishu has risen to 16, police said on Sunday.

The victims, most of them porters and other seaport staff, were having tea in some tea kiosks when the bomb went off, killing 11 immediately and injuring several others.

A police officer, Ibrahim Abdulle told Xinhua that they have since recorded five more deaths as investigations began into the incident which the militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.

"We have confirmed the death of five more people in the blast. Most of those affected were casual workers at the seaport who were having tea at some kiosks," said Abdulle.

The huge explosion which could be felt in various parts of the city happened outside Hamar-jajab police station, some meters away from the port. Police say the truck loaded with explosives went off some minutes past 8 a.m. local time.

"This was one of the most powerful explosions in Mogadishu. Several structures were destroyed around the port and we could feel the effect from a distance," said Omar Abdi, an eyewitness.

Al-Shabaab has since claimed responsibility adding it had killed 30 security personnel, a claim the police have denied.

source: Xinhua