MOGADISHU, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 276 people have been killed and more than 300 others injured following Saturday's twin bomb attacks in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, a government official confirmed Monday.
Information Minister Abdirahman Osman, who termed the massive bomb attack as "barbaric", said some countries have already pledged support, adding that emergency services such as hospitals have been overwhelmed by people seeking medical support.
"The death toll rises to 276 as of now and around 300 were injured as a result of Saturday's barbaric attack by terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, at KM5 junction in Mogadishu," Osman said in a tweet.
A massive car bomb was detonated outside the entrance to a hotel in the city's KM5 junction, the home to government offices, hotels and restaurants. Later in the day, a second bombing was reported in the city's Madina district.
The blast destroyed buildings and set vehicles ablaze, in one of the worst attacks to date in the capital city, which has suffered from nearly three decades of violence.
No group including Al-Shabaab, which usually carries out such attacks, has claimed responsibility for the latest attacks. The attacks have been condemned by the international community.
Insurgents have stepped up their assault against the government and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) bases across south and central parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
Some people are still missing, prompting their families and relatives to post their photos on the social media along with their personal accounts after the deadly attacks on Saturday.
