At least 7 killed in blast at hotel in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU: At least seven people were killed and several others injured in a bomb explosion that hit a popular hotel yesterday, police have confirmed.

Two journalists from a local television station alongside lawmakers were among those injured in the deadly explosion at SYL Hotel near the presidential palace in the Somali capital.

Mahad Farah, a police officer at the scene, said the explosion happened a few metres from the SYL Hotel entrance when security guards fired at the car they suspected was about to launch an attack.

“We have established the death of seven people and several others injured.

“The security guards fired at the car then it immediately exploded,” said Farah.

The hotel, which came under similar attack in February this year, is frequented by senior government officials and diplomats. – Xinhua