MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) – A hotel in the capital of Somalia was hit by an explosion and an attack by jihadist rebels, police confirmed.
A vehicle loaded with explosives hit the entrance gate of the Afrik hotel, near Mogadishu’s K-4 strategic junction on Sunday afternoon, said police spokesman Sadiq Adan Ali.
Several armed men quickly invaded the hotel, opening fire on employees and customers, he said. Government forces responded to the attack and shots were heard from the hotel. The police rescued many people from the hotel, including its owner and an army general.
At least seven injured civilians could be seen, although the police did not immediately give the numbers of the victims.
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Al-Shabab, local jihadist rebels from Somalia, took responsibility for the attack through its Andalus radio station.
Hundreds of newly trained Al Shabab fighters conducted military exercises near Mogadishu, Somalia, in 2011.
(AP)
“We know, they haven’t changed anything from their usual tactics, throwing explosives into a building and following up, attacking with rifles,” said Ali.
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In a separate incident, at least eight children died and dozens more were injured when a bomb exploded in the Golweyn area, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the coastal town of Merca, about 120 kilometers (74 miles) north south of Mogadishu.