At least 17 people have been killed in separate explosions in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, as violence continues in the war-torn African nation, Press TV reports. Two explosions took place in Mogadishu's government-controlled Wadajir district, targeting troops patrolling in Bulla Hubey, near Mogadishu's airport.

A total of at least nine were killed in the two explosions, and dozens more were injured. Most of those killed were identified as being government soldiers.

A separate attack also took place in the northern districts of Yaqshid and Howlwadaaq, leaving at least another eight people dead.

Government officials say all the attacks targeted Somali government positions in the area, while unconfirmed reports suggest that the attacks also targeted African Union troops.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for these attacks.

The US and neighboring Kenya are currently militarily involved in Somalia.

The US has been deploying intelligence and assassination drones in the famine-stricken country.

Also last month, Kenya dispatched soldiers over its border into Somalia and began air and ground offensives against al-Shabab fighters.

Both claim to be targeting al-Shabab fighters. However, the number of civilian casualties is growing.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991, when warlords overthrew former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

Strategically located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia remains one of the countries generating the highest number of refugees and internally displaced persons in the world.