At least 17 people were killed and several others injured on Thursday morning after a suicide bomber wearing a police uniform blew up himself outside a police academy in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, local media reported.

The suicide bomber infiltrated the police checkpoints and blew up himself during a police gathering, Somali National News Agency said, adding the injured had been taken to hospital.

The police were reportedly conducting a military parade in preparation for the anniversary of its foundation planned for Dec. 20.

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Ambulances were seen rushing to the site of the explosion, while security authorities closed the streets leading to the scene, according to eyewitnesses.

Al-Shabaab group, which is tied to al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a statement posted on the SomaliMemo website belonging to the group.