23

MOGADISHU, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A militant attack on a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu Sunday has left at least three people dead, a security source said.

“So far three people, two of them civilians, and a security guard ware confirmed dead, but the death toll could be higher,” said Mohamed Dahir a senior official with the national security agency.

Six civilians were wounded in the attack, he added.

Armed men attacked the hotel situated near the airport following a car bombing at the entrance, according to witesses and Somali police who say the Shabaab extremist group claims responsibility.

Somali soldiers surrounded the Hotel Afrik and blocked off access to it.

“There is ongoing (an) attack on a hotel… A car bomb hit the front entrance and armed men stormed the building,” police officer Mohamed Adan said.

“There is exchange of gunfire and the security forces are trying to rescue people inside from the attackers,” he added.

Witnesses confirmed a massive explosion followed by smoke after a car struck the hotel entrance at great speed, followed by gunfire.

“The gunfire is still going on and there was another blast after the first big one,” said Osman Saadaq, a witness.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack in a brief statement, saying: “The mujahidin stormed in an ongoing operation inside Hotel Afrik where members of the apostate team are stationed.”

The militant group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in its war on Somalia’s government, which is backed by the United Nations and African Union (AU) peacekeeping troops.

Al Shabaab is allied with al Qaeda and wants to rule Somalia according to its interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

On Feb 8, Somalia is scheduled to hold a presidential election.

The insurgents have stepped up their assault against the government and African Union Mission in Somalia bases across south and central parts of the Horn of Africa nation. — NNN-AGENCIES