BOSSASO (SD) – At least one person was reportedly killed and six others were injured in an explosion at a restaurant in Bossaso, Bari region.

The restaurant where the blast took place was said to be Khat hub and was located near the busy Maqaska intersection in Bossaso.

Victims of the blast include elders who reportedly expressed support for MP Jamal Mohamed Hassan, who is also the federal government’s planning minister.

The blast follows criticism from Minister of Planning Jamal Hassan of the process and security of the parliamentary elections in Bossaso.

Federal Planning Minister Jamal Hassan, a close ally of President Farmajo, has previously accused Puntland officials of personally targeting him.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast, which occurred as Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni was on his way to Bossaso.