Dhusamareb(Mogadishu24)-The Somali National Army on Thursday thwarted an offensive plan by Al-Shabaab to launch suicide car bomb attacks in Dhusamareb,the administrative capital of Galmudug State.

Two Landcruiser vehicles filled with explosives were blown up by the Government forces earlier this morning at a checkpoint in Tullo Kodax, approximately 3 kilometers to the town.

According to local residents and the army, the first car struck a military vehicle that had blocked the road in an attempt to stop the explosives-laden vehicle, while the second car exploded after the soldiers used ammunition against the armored vehicle.

The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but the government has reported that it foiled the attacks and will provide more details when on-going investigation end according to the state media.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and reported that the attack happened in Dhusamareb as they were targeting the presidential palace.

For over two months, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was stationed in Dhusamareb to scale up the war against Al-Shabaab militants and mobilize the local communities in Galmudug region.

The Somali National Army, along with the local community forces ‘Macawisley, have intensified their efforts against Al-Shabaab and achieved victories against the terrorist group.

Al-Shabaab militants recently resorted to car bombings targeting civilians killing dozens of soldiers and civilians.