MOGADISHU, June 5 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several others injured after al-Shabab militants ambushed a military convoy near Balad town, about 30 km north of the Somali capital Mogadishu, officials said Tuesday.
Police officer who did not want to be named told Xinhua that the Tuesday attack targeted a convoy carrying regional lawmakers and other government officials near Balad town in Middle Shabelle region, southern Somalia.
"Five people were killed in the attack including regional Members of Parliament and soldiers. The casualties could rise," the officer said.
Residents said they heard blasts and gunfire at the area. "We heard explosions followed by huge gunfire, we learnt a convoy hit by al-Shabab attack," a resident Nur Aways told Xinhua.
Al-Shabab militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.
