8 killed in Mogadishu hotel attack

MOGADISHU, Aug. 20 (YPA) – At least eight civilians were killed on Saturday as terrorist group Al-Shabab stormed a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu, a security commander said.

“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,” said the official, Mohamed Abdikadir.

“Security forces rescued dozens of civilians, including children who were trapped in the building,” Abdelkader said.

The Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab armed group claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a translation by the SITE Intelligence Group.

The attackers were still hiding in the hotel early on Saturday morning.

E.M