Car bomb blast kills 3 in Somali capital after mortar fire hits city overnight

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Police in Somalia say a car bomb explosion near Mogadishu's airport has killed at least three people and wounded five.

Police Capt. Mohamed Hussein said the blast Thursday was detonated by remote control at the city's busy airport junction. He blamed the militant group al-Shabab. Hussein said three people were killed.

The heavily fortified Mogadishu airport is the base for international diplomats and African Union forces that help support Somalia's government.

The bomb blast comes after a barrage of mortars hit Mogadishu overnight. Mortars lso hit the city last week, raising fears of a return to more constant warfare in the city.