At least five people were killed when a auto bomb exploded close to the presidential palace in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Monday, police said.

Security officials say a convoy carrying the United Nation’s special envoy to Somalia, Nick Kay, was preparing to leave the palace when the explosion occurred, although it is not clear if he was the target of the blast.

Hussein said at least two soldiers died in the blast and that the death toll could rise.

Several senior government officials, including the president, live and work there.

According to a local security official, the driver of a bomb-laden vehicle – who was himself apparently killed in the blast – targeted the SYL hotel near the presidential palace in Mogadishu.

The Associated Press reports the Islamist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

“We heard huge explosion at presidential place”.

Despite being forced out of many of their strongholds, al-Shabab fighters are still able to launch lethal attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia, often targeting African Union troops and government officials. “Soldiers surrounded the area and we can only see ambulances rushing in and out”, Aden said.

Mohamed Abdullahi, another police officer, said the attack may have been aimed at palace guards who sit in the area.