Eight die in Somali hotel attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists
Mogadishu (Somalia), August 20: As many as eight civilians were killed as security forces continued to battle terrorist group Al-Shabab, which stormed a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday.
"The security forces continued to neutralise terrorists who have been cordoned inside a room in the hotel building, most of the people were rescued but at least eight civilians were confirmed dead so far," official Mohamed Abdikadir said.
The attack in the Somali capital came after two car bomb blasts and gunfire as the armed group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, according to Al Jazeera.
Abdikadir Abdirahman, director and founder of Mogadishu's Aamin ambulance services informed on Friday that far nine injured people were carried away from the hotel.
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"Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat. One hit a barrier near the hotel and then another hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel," a police officer informed.
According to a SITE Intelligence Group translation, the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab armed group claimed responsibility for the attack.
As per security officer Abdukadir Hassan, the assault triggered a fierce battle between security forces and terrorists who were still holed up within the building.
"We don't have the details so far but there are casualties, and the security forces are now engaging with the enemies who are holed up inside the building," Hassan added.
According to Al Jazeera, Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the Somali government for more than 10 years and wants to establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
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-PTC News
