Somalia leader urges fractured nation to unite

Mogadishu - Somalia's president is urging the long-fractured nation to "unite as politicians and public" to fight the extremist group al-Shabaab after the country's deadliest attack.

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed spoke to thousands who marched through Mogadishu and rallied at a city stadium.

Saturday's massive truck bombing killed more than 300 people and wounded close to 400. Scores are said to remain missing.

Mohamed says they were "unfairly massacred." He announced a new task force "tasked with the protection of the people, and I shall be the first one to enlist and head to the front lines. We have to stand firm in defending our country.