Somalia authorities have confirmed the death of five civilians who died in a gun battle between militant Islamists and security forces at a hotel in the Somalia capital. – By Gerald Gekara.
The security forces ended the assault at Afrik Hotel, which is popular with government officials, early on Monday.
A total of 4 assailants were killed, three having being gunned down while the other detonated a suicide bomb.
President Mohamed Farmaajo said among those killed was a former military general:
“I ask God to have mercy on the Somali citizens who lost their lives in this barbaric attack, and I extend my deepest condolences on the death of General Mohamed Nur Galal, a veteran of the Somali army,” he tweeted.
The 5.pm attack sent Mogadishu into chaos as citizens scrambled for safety.
Militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack, that allegedly targetted government officials who frequent the hotel.
