Explosion Rocks Somali Capital

Authorities in Somalia say a roadside bomb blast has rocked the capital, Mogadishu. Authorities say the bomb was intended for a military convoy passing through northern Mogadishu Monday. Some reports say two children were killed in the attack. Other sources say the victims were wounded.

Officials say five suspects have been detained. Their identities have not been released.

Sympathizers of the country's Islamist movement frequently attack Somali troops and their Ethiopian allies in Mogadishu.

The Islamists temporarily controlled Mogadishu and other parts of the country last year, but were pushed from power in December.

The country has not had an effective central government since dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.

The interim government is trying to unite Somalia's many factions and clans, but it has had trouble setting up a proposed national reconciliation conference for peace. The government postponed the conference last week for a third time. - VOA News