Scores killed in Mogadishu car bombing

At least 14 people were killed when a car packed with explosives detonated in front of a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, a government spokesman said on Thursday.

Scores more were injured in the attack, Abdiazis Ali Ibrahim, a spokesman for the security ministry said.

"There was a heavy blast here and the number of casualties we have is so far 14 killed and a number of others wounded," Ibrahim said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last month, at least 45 people were killed when two car bombs exploded near the presidential palace and a hotel in Mogadishu, the city's main ambulance service said. Scores of others were injured in the attack that was later claimed by al-Shabaab militants.

The first blast, followed by gunfire, occurred at a checkpoint close to Villa Somalia, the name for the seat of government, while a second followed soon after at a hotel.

The militant group claimed the attacks in a statement posted online, saying it was targeting the government and security services.

The Shabaab is fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government. In October it carried out its deadliest-ever bombing, killing over 500 people.

In the wake of that attack Somalia's government declared a fresh offensive against the group and US drone strikes have increased in frequency.

While the militant group was pushed out of the capital in 2011 by an African Union force it continues to control large parts of the countryside and launches regular attacks on government, military and civilian targets.