KISMAYO (SD) – At least nine people were killed and several others seriously injured on Monday after their civilian vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device in in Southern Somalia, official confirmed.

Abdi Asis Hussein Gedi, an official from Jubaland administration in the coastal town of Kismayo who confirmed the incident said the vehicle was headed to Dhobley when the device exploded.

“Civilians were killed in the blast, the vehicle was heading to Dhobley town. Those responsible for this heinous attack against unarmed civilians must be brought to justice,” he said.

No group claimed the responsibility for the blast but the explosion has hallmarks of al-Shabaab fighters.

Members of al-Shabaab frequently plant improvised explosive devices (IED) on roadsides to target Somali forces.

Al-Shabaab militant group has been fighting Somali military forces backed by AMISOM troops for more than decade .

The group lost many towns in central and southern Somalia after their fighters were defeated by Somali military.

Al-Shabaab militant group changed tactics to hit and run against military bases. The group also carries out assassinations in major town.