Militants attack hotel in Somali capital, killing 20

Islamic militants stormed a hotel in the capital of Mogdishu, engaging in an hours-long exchange of fire with the security forces that left at least 20 people dead, police and witnesses said Saturday.

At least 40 other people were wounded in the attack that began late Friday at the upscale Hayat Hotel, which is frequented by local politicians and clan elders. Security forces reported rescuing many others, including children, from the site in a busy commercial area.

The attack started with explosions outside the hotel before the gunmen entered the building.

Somali forces were still trying to end the siege of the hotel almost 24 hours later. Gunfire could be heard Saturday evening as security forces sought to contain the last gunmen thought to be holed up on the hotel’s top floor.

The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which has ties with al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest in its frequent attempts to strike places visited by government officials.

Mohamed Abdirahman, director of Mogadishu’s Madina Hospital, told the Associated Press that 40 people were admitted with wounds or injuries from the attack. While nine were sent home after getting treatment, five were in critical condition, he said.

Al-Shabab remains the most lethal Islamic extremist group in Africa. Its assault came as the country is undergoing a delicate political transition and grappling with severe drought and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Al-Shabab has wreaked havoc in Somalia for years, pledging to establish an Islamic state across the Horn of Africa nation.

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