File photo taken on June 15, 2017 shows an explosion site in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

MOGADISHU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and four others injured in a suicide bomb attack at a restaurant near Baidoa in southwest Somalia on Friday, officials said.

Hassan Hussein Mohamed, Minister of Security for Southwest State, told Xinhua the militants targeted the innocent civilians after failing to attack the security forces.

He said the powerful explosion occurred at the vicinity of Suways restaurant near Dahabshil money transfer company building.

"Suicide bomber carried out terrorist attack at a restaurant here in Baidoa town this evening killing 3, and injuring 4 others who are civilians. We are in a rescue operation now, our forces are also conducting operations to secure the area," Mohamed said.

Residents said they saw dead bodies strewn at the scene, including the suicide bomber but could not identify the number of casualties.

However, independent sources told Xinhua that a man who wore a suicide vest detonated explosives at the vicinity of Suways restaurant in Baidoa, killing seven people.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack in Baidoa town but Islamist militants have carried out similar attacks in the Horn of Africa nation.