Large explosion hits Somalia’s capital during rush hour

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Witnesses say a large explosion has occurred in a busy part of Somalia’s capital during the morning rush hour. A plume of smoke was seen rising above Mogadishu on Thursday. Fifteen wounded people have been rushed to a hospital, the Amin ambulance service told The Associated Press. The blast occurred close to a school. There was no immediate confirmation of a death toll. Al-Shabab in a statement carried by its Andalus radio said it targeted Western officials being escorted by the African Union peacekeeping convoy. The al-Qaida-linked extremist group frequently targets the capital with attacks.