The Islamic militant group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu. At least three people were killed on Saturday and four others were injured, after a vehicle rammed into the Blue Sky restaurant.

Firefighters work at an explosion site in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 1, 2016. At least 3 people were killed and several others injured as an explosion hit a restaurant in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, police said. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

The attack took place during the afternoon when many people were out to lunch. Police forces, politicians and civil servants are known to frequent the restaurant. The popular location is situated near the "Jilaow" detention center, where militants are often held in underground cells.

"This attack today was a suicide mission. No senior official was killed or injured in this attack," Banadir Regional spokesman Abdifatah Omar Halane said.