At least 10 killed in Somalia landmine blast

At least ten people were killed and more than 16 others injured on Wednesday when a landmine blast hit the Africa Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) convoy south of Somalia's Mogadishu.

A security official told Xinhua by phone that the incident happened at area between Arbiska and Lafole near Afgoye town, about 30 km south of the capital Mogadishu.

"We have the report that over 10 people mostly civilians who were in a commuter bus were killed, and 16 others injured after landmine explosion hit to AMISOM convoy sparking an exchange of gunfire with Al-Shabaab militants there," the security official said.

AMISOM Force Spokesperson Wilson Rono confirmed the incident, saying the victims were killed during a fighting between the AU forces and Al-Shabaab militants.

Rono said AMISOM lost one soldier and another was injured during the ambush.

Independent sources said at least three AU soldiers, two teachers, some students, a security guard and more than four Al-Shabaab fighters were those killed in the fighting.

Al-Shabaab did not comment on the latest deadly incident along Mogadishu-Afgoye road but their affiliate websites said the AU forces massacred civilians after Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed the AU mission's convoy.

The latest incident came after some 358 people were killed in Oct. 14 bomb attacks in Mogadishu that has left several people still missing.

source: AFP