Death toll rises in Somalia bomb attack

The death toll from a car bombing explosion and clashes between security forces and gunmen has risen to 18.

Police officer captain Mohammed Hussein said the car bomb went off near the residence of appeals court chief justice Abshir Omar.

Hussein added that security forces stationed outside the judge’s house fought off gunmen who tried to force their way inside the house.

He noted that the Islamic extremist group claimed that a Mogadishu hotel was the intended target.

At least 40 others were injured in the attack.