Al-Shabaab Claims Responsibility for the Deadly Hotel Attack in Mogadishu

Mogadishu (Harar24)- Officials belonging to the Al- Shabaab movement claimed responsibility for the deadly car bomb at the Makka Almukkarama hotel which is located in the center of the capital city Mogadishu.

The attack  left atleast dozens dead and more than 20 others injured when a vehicle loaded with explosive materials targeted the hotel where members of the parliament and other government officials were having dinner.

Reports and witnesses are suggesting that the first explosion took place in the VIP section of the hotel, where a man believed to have been carrying explosives detonated them causing the death of some officials.

This was followed by a car bomb explosion which targeted the officials who were fleeing the scene of carnage at the hotel and government forces who were trying to secure the area and rescue the injured people.

According to sources who spoke to Harar24 top Government officials were present in the hotel during the attack among them Col. Mahamed Aadan Koofi, the Intelligence chief for Mogadishu.

The two explosions were followed by heavy gunfire opened by security officials in the area. Among those confirmed dead is  former Somali government envoy to London Dhub Adan Ali. Amongt those who were injured in the attack last night, were Soyan Abdi Warsame a Member of the Somali Parliament  and a Journalist for the UN funded Radio Bar-Kulan .

Officials from Al-shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack, “Our target was “apostate” officials and security forces.” al-Shabab’s official told Harar24 over the phone.  “The operation was carried out successfuly.” added the official.

Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon  denounced the attack on twitter, in his tweet the PM said  “Once again enemies of peace show their true colours to the world. Terrorists will not defeat us but make us stronger.” Other government officials also condemn the attack.

Security services are still investigating the scene of the blast and all major roads that that lead to the hotel were closed last night.

In other developments suspected Al-Shabaab members launched a mortar attack at Somalia’s Presidential palace “Villa Somalia”, in Mogadishu last night.