A heavy explosion has been reported near the presidential palace in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.
Sources said the explosion came from a car bomb that was near a checkpoint leading to the presidential palace.
According to state broadcaster, Somalia National Television, police have so far confirmed seven deaths from the explosion.
Another nine people sustained injuries from the Saturday morning explosion, within El-Gab.
The explosion comes even as the country is expected to begin the second phase of its election cycle which is set to begin on October 1 to November 25, 2021.
Authorities are yet to issue a statement on the cause of the explosion.
Additional reports say al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the suicide car bomb, saying that they were targeting a convoy carrying government officials.
Several vehicles have been destroyed in the blast.
