Al-Shabab Militants Attack Presidential Palace
 
Islamist al-Shabab militants have attacked the presidential palace in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and are inside the heavily fortified compound.

An al-Shabab Spokesman said fighting was ongoing. Gunfire and explosions can be heard.

Reports from Mogadishu say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is not in the palace. 

The raid is believed to have started with a car bomb at a barrier near the entrance to the compound, after which the militants attacked from two directions.

The al-Qaeda-aligned al-Shabab group lost control of Mogadishu in 2011, but often carries out attacks in the city. 

The group has vowed to step up attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Source :  BBC