MOGADISHU, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least two Somali soldiers were killed and several wounded in a roadside explosion near the town of Afgoye, about 30km south of Mogadishu, officials confirmed on Thursday.

A police officer said the Wednesday night roadside blast ripped through a security checkpoint near Aden Seraar farm close to Afgoye town.

"Two soldiers were killed in the roadside explosion near Afgoye town on Wednesday night. Investigation is underway and we have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous act," said the officer who declined to be named.

Al-Qaida allied group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the latest attack, saying its militants killed five soldiers and injured four others.

The police officer said no arrest has been made so far amid increased attacks by the insurgents targeting government institutions and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) bases.