MOGADISHU: A mortar shell fired into a crowded Mogadishu neighbourhood has killed seven civilians, including two children, witnesses said Tuesday, as continued violence threatens Somalia's fragile peace process.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the shelling late Monday, the latest in a string of attacks in the anarchic capital, where diehard Al-Qaeda allied Shebab insurgents have launched guerrilla assaults on the government.
"Seven people were killed and nine others injured, it was a disaster that shocked everyone," said Dahir Adan, a witness.
"Four of the victims were my close relatives. A mother, father and their two sons have all died, and two others were injured. We don't know where the mortar round came from," said Abdikarin Gaas, who lives near the scene of the attack.
Somali security officials confirmed the attack and said they were investigating. (AFP)