Somalia general killed by al-Shabab suicide car bomber

The suicide bomber rammed the general's convoy

A Somali general and at least six of his bodyguards have been killed by a suicide car bomber, police say.

The attacker rammed a car carrying explosives into General Mohamed Jimale Goobale's convoy near the defence ministry headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.

Al-Shabab claimed the attack and accused the general of plotting against them.

He had survived several previous assassination attempts.

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Witnesses in Mogadishu reported hearing a huge explosion.

"The suicide car bomb hit the car they were in. May God rest their souls," police colonel Abdikadir Farah told the Reuters news agency.

A radio station linked to al-Shabab reported a "martyr" had killed the general.

Voting for a new parliament begins on 25 September in Somalia. Lawmakers will then choose a president on 30 October.

Al-Shabab opposes the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is backed by Western powers and seeking re-election.