Mogadishu: A top Somali defence official survived an attack by an Islamist suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle in the capital of Mogadishu, the official said on Tuesday.
At least one bystander was killed.
The attack on Monday against State Defense Minister Yusuf Mohamed Siyad comes as the government is preparing to launch an offensive against Al-Qaida linked insurgents.
Siyad said the bomber's vehicle chased his car but exploded before colliding with it because a civilian minibus unexpectedly came between the two.
Two bodyguards in a car driving behind the minister were wounded, Siyad said.
As the convoy stopped to collect the wounded men, a second vehicle and then a wheelbarrow packed with explosives detonated nearby, Siyad said.
Siyad said recent intelligence had indicated militants would target him in an attack.
"This attack was a message from my enemy that they are committed to killing me and all other government officials like me," he said. "
The Islamist insurgent group Al Shabab claimed responsibility in a statement released after the attack.
Siyad used to be a member of the insurgency but joined the government in 2009.
"This will not deter me from my national duties," he said. "I used to patrol in the city [at] midnight and I will keep patrolling until we restore law and order."
A medical official said one bystander was killed and another seriously injured.
