According to authorities, at least 18 persons were murdered in an explosion at a checkpoint in Somalia

Authorities claimed an explosives-laden car exploded Saturday at a security checkpoint in central Somalia's Beledweyne, killing 18 and wounded 40.

Hirshabelle state interior minister Abdirahman Dahir Gure told press the toll.

He stated 20 wounded have been admitted to Beledweyne hospitals, and 20 are in severe condition and need airlift to Mogadishu for advanced medical treatment.

Hirshabelle state comprises Beledweyne, the Hiran region's capital and the Somali government's newest military effort against al-Shabab insurgents.