Continuous blasts reported in Mogadishu; investigation underway

Three large explosions hit Mogadishu on Friday, sending large plumes of smoke billowing into the air, while volleys of gunfire could also be heard in the Somali capital, according to an AFP reporter.

Twin car bombs first went off near two popular hotels as well as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters, followed by gunfire and a third explosion in the same area a while later.

"There is an attack going on at the CID area, two car bombs went off and gunfire followed but we don't have details," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, referring to the initial attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)