MOGADISHU (SD) – At least seven explosions were heard tonight in neighborhoods on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu, causing casualties and destruction.

These explosions were caused by mines attached to houses and buildings in the Galmudug neighborhood, which has developed over the past few years along the road connecting Mogadishu and Afgooye.

The blasts, initially thought to be mortar shells, were heard over a wide area.

Some of the mines detonated in occupied homes in the area, reportedly injuring at least four people, including children.

Reports indicate that other buildings across from the Four Minarets Mosque are rigged with unexploded mines, trapping residents inside.

Security forces and bomb disposal units from the Federal Government (FGS) who arrived at the scene have cordoned off the roads leading to the houses in the area, working to deal with the unexploded mines.

Such incidents of mines being attached to homes are new to the people of Mogadishu, and the purpose and reason behind targeting these inhabited homes remain unknown.