Mogadishu, Somalia: Islamist militants detonated a truck bomb on Tuesday in front of the education ministry in Somalia's capital, killing at least 70 people and wounding dozens including students and parents who were awaiting the results of scholarships.
It was the biggest attack in Somalia's capital since the al Qaeda-linked group known as al-Shabab withdrew most of its forces in August amid an offensive by African Union forces and a devastating famine.
The bomb blew up after coming to a halt at a security checkpoint, leaving blackened corpses on the debris-strewn street and setting other vehicles alight. Uniformed soldiers were seen dragging the wounded away.
Ali Abdullahi, a nurse at Medina hospital said they were treating people with horrific wounds, including amputated limbs, burns, and patients who have lost their sight in the attack.
"It is the most awful tragedy I have ever seen," he said.
"Imagine dozens are being brought here minute by minute. Most of the wounded people are unconscious and others have their faces blackened by smoke and heat."
Ali Muse, the chief of Mogadishu's ambulance service, told The Associated Press that at least 70 people had died and at least 42 others were wounded.
"The explosion has not only affected the targeted place, but even passer-by people and car passengers died there. The death toll may increase and we are still carrying many dead bodies,” he said.
Al-Shabab immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on a website it uses.
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