(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack by militants on a political conference in central Somalia on Thursday, killing three gunmen and the driver of a car packed with explosives, Reuters quoted police as saying.

The al Shabaab group, which frequently attacks officials, politicians and lawmakers in its bid to topple the Western-backed government in Mogadishu, claimed responsibility.

Al Shabaab's spokesman for military operations, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters shortly after the attack that its gunmen were still fighting inside. Officials denied this.