From correspondents in Africa, 04:00 PM IST

At least seven people have been killed in an attack by armed militias on the parliament building of Somalia, media reports said Sunday.

At least three mortar shells struck the building in an attack coming shortly after deputies had met to debate the government's new budget proposals Saturday, the Radion Garowe radio reported.

Parliamentary speaker Aden Madobe said no deputies were injured, but among those killed was a security official. Other mortar shells struck nearby apartment buildings and a student dormitory, killing a number of pupils. About 15 people were wounded, the report said.

As of Sunday, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Several radical Islamic militia groups in Somalia are boycotting the peace process of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and are continuing their armed activities even though Sheikh Sharif introduced Islamic law several weeks ago and with the help of religious leaders has sought to establish dialogue with the radical groups.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)