"Today's horrific attack proves our enemy would stop nothing to cause our people pain and suffering. Let's unite against terror. We will observe 3 days of mourning for innocent victims, flags will be flown at half-mast. Time to unite & pray together. Terror won't win.I call on our citizens to come out, extend help, donate blood and comfort the bereaved. Let's get through this together".



The deafening blast in the KM5 Junction in Mogadishu destroyed homes, businesses a hotel and overturned several vehicles nearby.

As of 2:00 am local time, emergency crews are still working on rescuing injured civilians trapped under the rubble.

The death toll is expected to rise much higher than the 20 deaths first reported by local news agencies and government officials.

Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in today's terror attack. He said the attack is an example of Al-Shabaab's plan to kill innocent civilians.