A Somali lawmaker lost his legs in a bomb blast whilst driving a car in southern Mogadishu, police said Friday, the latest explosion to rock the war-ravaged Somali capital.
"The MP had his legs blown off when an explosion hit the car," police officer Abdi Arale said.
"Some reports suggest it was caused by explosives planted in the car, others suggest it was roadside bomb, and we are still investigating the incident," he added.
No group has claimed responsibility, but last week Islamist Shebab insurgents vowed to scale up bombing attacks after carrying out their worst ever suicide attack in Mogadishu killing at least 82 people.
Witnesses said MP Mohamed Ananug was dragged out the car shortly before the vehicle burst into flames, in the Seypiano area of Mogadishu.
"I saw him being removed from the car before it totally burnt up," said Mohamed Shekhey, a witness.
African Union and Somali government forces launched renewed assaults last week against die-hard Shebab positions in the city still held after the bulk of rebels pulled out in August.
The Shebab however said they have shifted to guerrilla tactics, and recent attacks have demonstrated they are still able to wreak havoc deep inside the city.
The Horn of African country has lacked a central authority since plunging into a deadly civil war with the 1991 ouster of president Mohamed Siad Barre.
Somalia is the worst affected country by a harsh drought that has left some 13 million people in the Horn of Africa facing starvation.
Source: AFP
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