Security forces continue an operation aimed at ending a hotel siege in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, where they have been battling with al-Shabab militants for the past 12 hours after they detonated explosive devices.
The death toll from the attack on the Villa Rosa Hotel frequented by government officials remains unknown. The hotel isn’t far from the presidential palace.
Gunfire could still be heard Monday morning as security forces surrounded the building battling the militants.
The special trained military unit known as the Danab and trained by the U.S. are battling the insurgent according to witnesses.
The attack began Sunday evening just at around 8:15 p.m. with an explosion at the gate of the hotel. The explosion was followed by gunmen who randomly started shooting at the people and storming the hotel, witnesses said.
The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Scores of people were rescued from the hotel and security forces police spokesman Sadik Dodishe told state media on Sunday evening.
Monday´s parliamentary meeting was cancelled following Al-Shabab attack Villa Rose hotel.
Al-Shabaab fighters carry out such attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
The attack comes as the government is engaged in an “all-out war” against the al-Shabab group.
The new strategy, in place since July, has already led to some gains in two regions in central Somalia.
Since 2007 that the al-Qaeda affiliated group has been fighting the government and trying to establish Islamic law in the country.
