Mogadishu, June 24 (IANS): At least 14 people were killed and five others injured on Wednesday in a roadside car explosion targeting diplomats from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Police officer Ismail Mohamed told Xinhua that the blast targeted UAE diplomats, adding that eight civilians and six soldiers died in the attack, but UAE diplomats escaped unhurt.

"A suicide bomber blew up his car when a convoy used by UAE officials was passing near the Turkish embassy," Mohamed said. "We can confirm that eight civilians and six soldiers among the dead, and five others wounded (civilians)."

Somali militant group Al-Shabaab, which reportedly vowed to step up attacks on government bases during the holy month of Ramadan, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Somali government has condemned the attack. "We condemn the terrorist attack in the strongest terms possible. May the dead ones rest their souls in peace and wish the injured soldiers and civilians for quick recovery," said Somali Minister of Information Mohamed Abdi Hayer.