A car bomb explosion shuttered Somali town of Galkayo in the Mudug region, claiming lives of at least seven civilians, and wounding dozens, local authorities confirmed.

The official said the driver intended to enter the hotel compound, but failed and instead hit a military pickup parked outside, serving as a protection.

“So far we know of seven people who died, mostly civilians, but the death toll may rise,” said Major Ali Umar. “Over a dozen others were injured, mostly Somali military personnelL”

An employee at Galkayo hospital said it had received over 30 wounded as a result of the explosion, Reuters news agency reports.

Highly likely the act is another attack of of Al Shabaab Islamist group is fighting to assess power and establish a Caliphate. It has already control over small sections of the Mudug region.