A car bomb exploded close to the presidential palace in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Monday, police said.
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility from the armed group Al-Shabab, which is trying to overthrow President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Western-backed government. Al-Shabab seeks to impose a strict version of Islamic law on the country.
 
Western diplomats say the group is being slowly weakened, but can still pack a punch and threaten the pace of Somalia's gradual reconstruction and state-building process.

Just on Thursday, a blast claimed by Al-Shabab killed at least three soldiers who were waiting to collect their salaries at a military camp in Kismayu.

As well as attacking troops, the group frequently carries out bombings and gun attacks on officials at bureaus, hotels or restaurants.

Read more: Al Jazeera