While regional authorities are convening in the city to discuss their coordinated offensive against the al-Shabab rebel group, mortar shells have erupted in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The presidential mansion is closely secured, and the four shells struck nearby places.

There have been no casualties reported.

Following recent military victories by the Somali government against the Islamist extremists, the leaders of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djobouti are meeting there on Wednesday.

Al-Shabab continues to conduct frequent attacks and maintains control over substantial portions of Somalia.

But since the government, supported by US and African forces, launched a new offensive last August, they have lost ground.