Mogadishu: Over 12 people were killed after twin blasts and gunfire rocked a hotel and neighbouring park in central Mogadishu on Friday. According to reports, attack is claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants.
Two loud explosions went off near the popular SYL hotel and neighbouring Peace Garden which continued for more than a hour at 7:47 pm, said a source. Medical sources told local media that at least 25 people had been injured.
The park and hotel are located close to the top-security Villa Somalia complex that houses the presidential palace and the prime minister’s office.
“One of the explosions took place near the Peace Garden and the other near the SYL hotel,” police official Ibrahim Mohamed said.
“I saw 12 dead civilians, but the number could be higher. Members of the mujahedeen have carried out an attack on the SYL hotel near the presidential palace. The attack began with a suicide bombing followed by gunfire ” police said.
