Somalia's president 'under mortar attack in palace'

Somalia’s president came under mortar attack in his palace in Mogadishu today, hours after arriving for a rare visit to the violent capital, eyewitnesses said.

A 12-year-old boy was killed by a mortar that missed the palace, the boy’s father said.

“Six mortars have been fired at the presidential palace,” said Abdiwahid Haji Mumin, who lives near the hill top palace, known as Villa Somalia.

“Two have hit inside the palace and four outside.”

Abdullah Ahmed said his son was killed by a mortar that missed the palace. Three of his children were also injured by shrapnel, he said.

“They were sleeping when the mortar hit us. It is sad to see your children to be killed in front of you and you can’t do anything. How can the government say it will restore peace when our children are killed?”

President Abdullahi Yusuf had arrived in the capital, Mogadishu, from the government stronghold town of Baidoa shortly before the attack began.