A huge explosion and heavy gunfire erupted Wednesday in central Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, as armed militants took over the popular Hotel Ambassador, according to media reports. According to police, at least three people have died and almost a dozen wounded in the assault.
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Mogadishu police said some fighters had apparently burst into the hotel. “So far we have confirmed three people died and a dozen others injured”, Major Ibrahim Hassan, a second police officer told Reuters.
Al-Qaida-linked al-Shebaab Islamist militants have said that they carried out a vehicle bombing targeting the hotel. “We shall give details later”.
Al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters they were responsible for the attack.
Al-Shebaab, often carries out bombings around Somalia with many occurring in the country’s capital.
Ten people reported killed during assault happening shortly before Turkish president’s visit to Somalia.
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A auto bomb exploded Wednesday at a top Mogadishu hotel that houses several MPs, killing several people, and was immediately followed by a gun battle, security sources and witnesses said.
