Somalia: Security forces end deadly siege at Mogadishu Hotel; at least 15 dead

After a nearly five-hour gun battle at a beachside hotel in Mogadishu, Somali security forces are reported to have ended deadly siege by Islamic extremists. According to reports, Elite Hotel in Somali capital was stormed by al-Shabab militants after a car bomb was detonated outside hotel on Sunday, August 16.

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Mogadishu Attack 

As per reports, militants stormed hotel and were successful in securing hosts. siege was brought to an end by Somalian special forces and at least 15 people are reported to have been killed while information about number of slain militants remains unkwn. attacked hotel is owned by an MP and is frequented by officials.

According to reports, witnesses present at scene have claimed that initial car blast was heard across capital and that siege lasted four hours during which security forces exchanged fire with militants inside hotel. A government spokesperson tweeted that siege ended after four hours and that all gunmen inside hotel were killed.

As per reports, among those killed in incident is a senior official from information ministry as well as ar official from defence ministry. In addition to people killed during incident, dozens of people are reported to have sustained injuries.

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Al-Shabab militants have ties to al-Qaeda and have been waging a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than a decade. Al-Shabab has been forced out of Somali capital due to efforts of government and African Union forces but still routinely carry out bombings and assassinations in city. rebel group has increased frequency of attacks in last two months.

Last week, al-Shabab militants reportedly tried to escape from a heavily guarded prison. militants somehow got ir hands on weapons and ensuing gunfight between militants and security forces led to loss of 20 lives.

(With Inputs from AP)

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