Officials and witnesses say at least 12 people are dead after two explosions by extremist fighters targeted local government headquarters in the capital of Somalia's Hiran region, which has been the centre of a recent mobilisation against the rebels.
The Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in Beledweyne, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.
The Hiran governor, Ali Jayte Osman, who survived the attack, told The Associated Press by phone that the health minister of Hirshabelle state and the deputy governor of Hiran in charge of finance were among those killed in Monday's attack.
“The first explosion occurred at the entrance gate, and after a few minutes a big truck rushed toward the headquarters building and exploded, killing many civilians who came to the office to receive services,” the governor said.