Blasts heard near Mogadishu airport

{Big explosions followed by gunfire have been heard near the main entrance of the airport in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, local media have reported.}

Thick smoke could be seen rising from the area, where there is also a base for African Union (AU) peacekeepers.

Local journalists said the blasts had been caused by two bombs. At least one was detonated by a suicide attacker in a vehicle near a checkpoint, they said.

There are reports of casualties among security guards on the checkpoint.

The militant Islamist group, al-Shabab, which is allied to al-Qaeda, has carried out frequent attacks in Somalia, including in Mogadishu, in an attempt to oust the UN-backed government.

The group has been pushed out of most of the main towns it once controlled, but analysts say it remains a potent threat.

It has been increasing its attacks ahead of planned elections in Somalia.

{{Who are Somalia’s al-Shabab?}}

Hotels have been attacked by car bombs and then armed assault teams over the past few weeks.

The large airport area in Mogadishu is a secure “green zone” for UN operations, the AU peacekeeping force and foreign embassies.

The Somali government, with the help of African Union forces, is fighting al-Shabab militants in several parts of the country.