An official claimed a suicide vehicle bomb killed at least seven people in the Somali capital on Saturday near the president’s home at a major junction.

According to Muawiye Mudeey, district commissioner of Mogadishu’s Hamarjajab district, “a suicide vehicle bomb that exploded near Ceelgaab intersection killed seven persons and injured eight others.”

The perpetrators of the assault were not immediately identified, but al Shabaab, which seeks to destroy the government and impose its version of Islamic law, is known for carrying out similar bombs.

A Reuters witness at the scene of the blast reported seeing seven cars and three rickshaws destroyed by the blast, and the whole junction covered in blood.