According to reports, the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh was passing by at the time of the explosion. "Al-Shabaab" claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al-Shabaab al-Mujāhideen has claimed responsibility for a massive suicide bombing near the Somali presidential palace in Mogadishu. 

The explosion occurred on Ceelgaabta Street as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy was passing through. The president was unharmed, according to the Presidential Guard.