On Sunday a car laden with explosives rammed the gate of a Tawakal hotel in the centre of Kismayo city, followed by a gun battle that killed at least three people.
Security forces were battling the militants. Al Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“There is a blast at Tawakal Hotel and there is gunfire being heard,” said Mohamed Nur, a police captain told the Somali National Television.
BREAKING: Suspected Al Shabab militants attack Tawakal Hotel in Kismayu. Police statement indicates gunfire still ongoing in the precinct. #Kismayu#Somaliapic.twitter.com/ydOyxykrkh
Police official in Jubaland state, said three attackers entered the hotel’s premises. He vowed security forces would end the attack. The hotel is popular as a meeting place for government officials.
There’s was a clan meeting ongoing at the hotel when the attack happened, locals told Kulan Post.
SIEGE on the ill-fated Tawakal hotel "inches away from completion," officials say as elite forces take charge of the precinct. There's no official reports on the number of casualties, but local journalists say three people confirmed dead. #kismayu#Kismaayo#Somaliapic.twitter.com/3e4f7YzbOq
SIEGE on the ill-fated Tawakal hotel “inches away from completion,” officials say as elite forces take charge of the precinct. There’s no official reports on the number of casualties, but local journalists say three people confirmed dead.
At 8 PM local time, Jubbaland’s interior minister Yusuf Hussein declared the operation over. He said the attacker were four: one carried out the suicide bombing at the gate while the rest were shot down by the Jubbaland forces.
“Nine people, including members of the special forces died while 47 others were injured,” Yusuf stated.
