“A top Somali defense official survived an attack Monday by an Islamist suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle in the capital of Mogadishu, the official said. At least one bystander was killed.

The attack against State Defense Minister Yusuf Mohamed Siyad — known by his nickname Indahaadde or ‘White Eyes’ — comes as the besieged U.N.-backed government is preparing to launch an offensive against Islamist insurgents who have links to al-Qaida.

Siyad said the bomber’s vehicle chased his car but exploded before colliding with it because a civilian minibus unexpectedly came between the two. Two bodyguards in a car driving behind the minister were wounded, Siyad said.

As the convoy stopped to collect the wounded men, a second vehicle and then a wheelbarrow packed with explosives detonated nearby, Siyad said.”

(Source: The Associated Press: Somali defense official survives car bomb attack.)