At least five people, including one African Union soldier have been killed after al Shabaab militants bombed and then stormed into a government building in Mogadishu.
"So far we confirmed five dead people including, one AU soldier, one government soldier and three civilians," Colonel Hussein Ibrahim, a police officer, said, adding that 10 others were injured.
He added that at least two militants were killed and the building has been secured.
Al Shabaab militants took responsibility for attacking the building, which contains the higher education ministry and the petroleum and minerals ministry.
Gunmen set off two large explosions before storming inside and battled with the security forces, police and witnesses said.
The group has frequently launched such raids in its bid to topple the Western-backed government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Al Shabaab militants attacked a hotel in the city at the end of March, using similar tactics of blasting and shooting their way inside. 14 people died in the attack.
