The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said.&nbsp;

Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast.

So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office.&nbsp;

"I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion.

Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows.

"All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition."

Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by&nbsp;Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda.

The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries&nbsp;attacks in neighbouring Kenya.&nbsp;

A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured.

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said. Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast. So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack. The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office. "I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion. Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows. "All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition." Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda. The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries attacks in neighbouring Kenya. A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.

Somalia: Death toll jumps to 61 in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-terror-attack-can-india-respond-like-israel-197942">attack </a>on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats.

"Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement.

"The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly".

Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion.

They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace.

After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details.

The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed".

Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda&nbsp;was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu.

The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya.

The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings.

Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan.

"It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added,

Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began.

"I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed.

"The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who."

Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall.

In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people.

Then in August of the same year, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-in-suicide-car-bomb-attack--on-security-checkpoint-in-iraq-162275">suicide car bomb attack</a> on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege. The attack on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats. "Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement. "The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly". Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion. They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace. After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details. The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed". Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu. The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya. The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings. Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan. "It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added, Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began. "I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed. "The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who." Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall. In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people. Then in August of the same year, a suicide car bomb attack on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five killed in jihadist attack on Somali hotel

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-security-forces-end-militant-attack-on-hotel-that-killed-13-including-two-journalists-police-235464">Al-Shabaab terrorist&nbsp;group </a>struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said.&nbsp;

"Two heavy explosions occurred, the first one bigger than the other. There was also a heavy exchange of gunfire after the blasts but we don't know about the details," Mohamed Adan, a Somali elder close to the scene of the attack on the US base at Baledogle, said.

Omar Abikar, a Somali security officer, confirmed the second, separate attack in the capital Mogadishu on Monday morning against a convoy carrying EU advisers, adding "there are casualties".

In a statement, Al-Shabaab said: "In the early hours of Monday morning, an elite unit of soldiers... launched a daring raid on the US military base".

"After breaching the perimeter of the heavily fortified base, the Mujahideen (holy fighters) stormed the military complex, engaging the crusaders in an intense firefight."

The US Mission to Somalia denied Al-Shabaab fighters penetrated the camp defences, saying Somali security forces repelled the attack.

"The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base," the mission said in a statement.

"We are thankful that there were no SNA (Somali National Army) casualties between the multiple attacks."

Baledogle is a major launching site for US drone operations against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group which controls large parts of Somalia, and the Islamic State in Somalia outfit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Al-Shabaab terrorist group struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said.

The Al-Shabaab terrorist group struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said. "Two heavy explosions occurred, the first one bigger than the other. There was also a heavy exchange of gunfire after the blasts but we don't know about the details," Mohamed Adan, a Somali elder close to the scene of the attack on the US base at Baledogle, said. Omar Abikar, a Somali security officer, confirmed the second, separate attack in the capital Mogadishu on Monday morning against a convoy carrying EU advisers, adding "there are casualties". In a statement, Al-Shabaab said: "In the early hours of Monday morning, an elite unit of soldiers... launched a daring raid on the US military base". "After breaching the perimeter of the heavily fortified base, the Mujahideen (holy fighters) stormed the military complex, engaging the crusaders in an intense firefight." The US Mission to Somalia denied Al-Shabaab fighters penetrated the camp defences, saying Somali security forces repelled the attack. "The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base," the mission said in a statement. "We are thankful that there were no SNA (Somali National Army) casualties between the multiple attacks." Baledogle is a major launching site for US drone operations against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group which controls large parts of Somalia, and the Islamic State in Somalia outfit.

Al-Shabaab attacks US base, EU convoy in Somalia

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters.

"The blast injured many local officials including my cousin," said Mohamed Abdullahi.

"The Mogadishu mayor is also injured ... A suicide bomber walked into the meeting hall and blew up himself."

&nbsp;

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters.

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters. "The blast injured many local officials including my cousin," said Mohamed Abdullahi. "The Mogadishu mayor is also injured ... A suicide bomber walked into the meeting hall and blew up himself."

Mayor of Mogadishu, other officials hurt in Somalia suicide blast: Relative

Al Shabaab attacks Somali government building in Mogadishu

Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility.

The blast "was caused by a car loaded with explosives, we perceive that it was parked near a restaurant along the road," Somali police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP.

The restaurant was near a security checkpoint in the Somali capital, not far from the presidential palace. The road in which the blast occurred houses eateries and tea shops.

"The explosion was very heavy, and we could see the smoke and dust overwhelmed the whole area, it was a car bomb," said witness Ibrahim Farey.

Another, Aisha Hassan, said several vehicles were destroyed and buildings damaged.&nbsp;

Al-Shabaab said it had planted the bomb, claiming in a statement that its "fighters targeted one of the checkpoints of the palace apostates."

The nationalist, Islamist group, linked to Al-Qaeda, is fighting an armed insurrection in Somalia against what it sees as a heretic and foreign influence.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people died in an attack in Mogadishu which saw Al-Shabaab jihadists battling security forces for nearly 24 hours.

The Shabaab were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by the 22,000-strong African Union mission AMISOM, and have had to abandon most of their strongholds.

But they still control vast rural areas and remain the key threat to peace in Somalia.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, elected in February 2017, has declared a state of war against the group.

Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility.

Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility. The blast "was caused by a car loaded with explosives, we perceive that it was parked near a restaurant along the road," Somali police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP. The restaurant was near a security checkpoint in the Somali capital, not far from the presidential palace. The road in which the blast occurred houses eateries and tea shops. "The explosion was very heavy, and we could see the smoke and dust overwhelmed the whole area, it was a car bomb," said witness Ibrahim Farey. Another, Aisha Hassan, said several vehicles were destroyed and buildings damaged. Al-Shabaab said it had planted the bomb, claiming in a statement that its "fighters targeted one of the checkpoints of the palace apostates." The nationalist, Islamist group, linked to Al-Qaeda, is fighting an armed insurrection in Somalia against what it sees as a heretic and foreign influence. Earlier this month, at least 20 people died in an attack in Mogadishu which saw Al-Shabaab jihadists battling security forces for nearly 24 hours. The Shabaab were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by the 22,000-strong African Union mission AMISOM, and have had to abandon most of their strongholds. But they still control vast rural areas and remain the key threat to peace in Somalia. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, elected in February 2017, has declared a state of war against the group.

Four dead in Somali capital car bombing: Police

The death toll from a series of car bombings near a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu has jumped to at least 41, police said on Saturday.

Friday's attack was the latest in a wave of bombings by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate which has been fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government for over a decade.

Twin car bombs exploded within moments of each other, followed by gunfire and a third blast, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Police official Ibrahim Mohamed said that information received from various hospitals indicated that the number of dead had reached 41, with another 106 wounded.

"Most of these people were civilians and nearly 20 of them died in minibuses that were passing by the road when the blast occurred," he added.

Another security official, Abdirahman Osman, told AFP that nearly 50 had been confirmed dead so far, although the final number was not yet known.

Officials on Friday had put the death toll at about 20.

The death toll from a series of car bombings near a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu has jumped to at least 41, police said on Saturday. Friday's attack was the latest in a wave of bombings by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate which has been fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government for over a decade.

The death toll from a series of car bombings near a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu has jumped to at least 41, police said on Saturday. Friday's attack was the latest in a wave of bombings by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate which has been fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government for over a decade. Twin car bombs exploded within moments of each other, followed by gunfire and a third blast, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. Police official Ibrahim Mohamed said that information received from various hospitals indicated that the number of dead had reached 41, with another 106 wounded. "Most of these people were civilians and nearly 20 of them died in minibuses that were passing by the road when the blast occurred," he added. Another security official, Abdirahman Osman, told AFP that nearly 50 had been confirmed dead so far, although the final number was not yet known. Officials on Friday had put the death toll at about 20.

Death toll from Mogadishu bombings jumps to over 40

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said.

"So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise," Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters.

Twin car bombs first went off near two popular hotels as well as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters, followed by gunfire and a third explosion in the same area a while later.

"There is an attack going on at the CID area, two car bombs went off and gunfire followed but we don't have details," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, referring to the initial attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said.

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said. "So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise," Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters. Twin car bombs first went off near two popular hotels as well as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters, followed by gunfire and a third explosion in the same area a while later. "There is an attack going on at the CID area, two car bombs went off and gunfire followed but we don't have details," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, referring to the initial attack. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 killed in suicide bomb attack on Somalia hotel

Twin car bombs killed 18 people in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu on Friday in an attack by the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, but security forces shot dead five assailants, officials said.

Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said.

&quot;So far we carried 18 dead people and 20 others injured from the blasts tonight,&quot; Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of Amin Ambulances, told Reuters.

Police said the first car bomb went off after militants breached a checkpoint near the president`s residence by shooting at security personnel. The second blast was a car bomb parked in front of a hotel away from the palace.

&quot;The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace,&quot; Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters.

Al Shabaab, who have claimed responsibility for previous bombings and gun attacks in the capital, said they killed 15 soldiers in Friday`s attack, but this could not be confirmed.

&quot;Two operations including two car bomb martyrdoms went on around the presidential palace and a national security forces&rsquo; base called Habar Kadija,&quot; al Shabaab military spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab said.

The group, which is linked to al Qaeda, wants to overthrow the Somali government and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. It has killed hundreds of civilians across East Africa and thousands of Somalis in a decade-long insurgency.

Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow said the security forces had subdued the al Shabaab attackers and killed five of them.

&quot;The security minister confirmed the operation was concluded and that the five militants who launched the attack were shot dead,&quot; the state news aganey quoted him as saying.

Al Shabaab`s Abu Musab said their fighters were yet to be subdued.

The streets around the palace and the hotel were surrounded by security forces, witnesses said.

In October, more than 500 people were killed in twin bomb blasts in Mogadishu. The bomb attacks were the deadliest since al Shabaab began an insurgency in 2007. Al Shabaab did not claim responsibility for that incident.

At least 18 people have been killed and 20 others injured in twin bomb attacks in Somali capital Mogadishu

Twin car bombs killed 18 people in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu on Friday in an attack by the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, but security forces shot dead five assailants, officials said. Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said. "So far we carried 18 dead people and 20 others injured from the blasts tonight," Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of Amin Ambulances, told Reuters. Police said the first car bomb went off after militants breached a checkpoint near the president`s residence by shooting at security personnel. The second blast was a car bomb parked in front of a hotel away from the palace. "The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace," Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters. Al Shabaab, who have claimed responsibility for previous bombings and gun attacks in the capital, said they killed 15 soldiers in Friday`s attack, but this could not be confirmed. "Two operations including two car bomb martyrdoms went on around the presidential palace and a national security forces’ base called Habar Kadija," al Shabaab military spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab said. The group, which is linked to al Qaeda, wants to overthrow the Somali government and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. It has killed hundreds of civilians across East Africa and thousands of Somalis in a decade-long insurgency. Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow said the security forces had subdued the al Shabaab attackers and killed five of them. "The security minister confirmed the operation was concluded and that the five militants who launched the attack were shot dead," the state news aganey quoted him as saying. Al Shabaab`s Abu Musab said their fighters were yet to be subdued. The streets around the palace and the hotel were surrounded by security forces, witnesses said. In October, more than 500 people were killed in twin bomb blasts in Mogadishu. The bomb attacks were the deadliest since al Shabaab began an insurgency in 2007. Al Shabaab did not claim responsibility for that incident.

18 killed after two car bombs explode in Somalia's capital Mogadishu

As many as 512 died in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-bomb-attack-death-toll-rises-to-over-300-22496">an October truck bombing in the Somali capital Mogadishu</a>, an emergency committee investigating the terrorist atrocity has found.

An earlier death toll of 358 already made the October 14 bombing the deadliest terrorist attack in Somalia&#39;s history. No group claimed responsibility, but the Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militant group has been blamed.

&quot;The overall number of people we have recorded involved in the casualty are 869 persons: 512 are dead, 295 wounded and about 70 others are not yet confirmed if they were dead and or missing,&quot; Abdulahi Mohamed Shirwac, chairman of the Somali Emergency Operation Centre told AFP Saturday.

The 11-member board was established to look into the October 14 bombing. The government has not commented on the report, which it received this week.

The Shabaab has been fighting to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu since 2007 and frequently deploys car and truck bombs against military, government and civilian targets.

The huge October explosion levelled buildings in the capital&#39;s busy Kilometre 5 neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Since then the United States -- which supports Somalia&#39;s fledgeling army as well as carrying out its own operations against the Shabaab and a separate self-proclaimed Islamic State group in the north of the country -- has increased the frequency of air strikes targeting jihadist leaders.

An earlier death toll of 358 already made the October 14 bombing the deadliest terrorist attack in Somalia's history. No group claimed responsibility, but the Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militant group has been blamed

As many as 512 died in an October truck bombing in the Somali capital Mogadishu, an emergency committee investigating the terrorist atrocity has found. An earlier death toll of 358 already made the October 14 bombing the deadliest terrorist attack in Somalia's history. No group claimed responsibility, but the Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militant group has been blamed. "The overall number of people we have recorded involved in the casualty are 869 persons: 512 are dead, 295 wounded and about 70 others are not yet confirmed if they were dead and or missing," Abdulahi Mohamed Shirwac, chairman of the Somali Emergency Operation Centre told AFP Saturday. The 11-member board was established to look into the October 14 bombing. The government has not commented on the report, which it received this week. The Shabaab has been fighting to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu since 2007 and frequently deploys car and truck bombs against military, government and civilian targets. The huge October explosion levelled buildings in the capital's busy Kilometre 5 neighbourhood. Since then the United States -- which supports Somalia's fledgeling army as well as carrying out its own operations against the Shabaab and a separate self-proclaimed Islamic State group in the north of the country -- has increased the frequency of air strikes targeting jihadist leaders.

Report says 512 died in deadliest Somalia bombing

The US&nbsp;military said it killed more than&nbsp;100&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in Somalia&nbsp;on Tuesday when it launched an&nbsp;air&nbsp;strike&nbsp;against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group that wants to topple the UN-backed government.

The military&#39;s Africa Command said the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target&nbsp;militants.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was done in coordination with&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s federal government, the Pentagon said.

US&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes killing such a large number of&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;are rare, but not unprecedented. In March 2016, a US&nbsp;air strike&nbsp;killed more than 150 al Shabaab fighters in&nbsp;Somalia.

Somalia&#39;s state news agency SONNA reported late on Tuesday that &quot;about&nbsp;100&nbsp;militants&quot; were killed when US&nbsp;planes and Somali commandos attacked al Shabaab bases in the Bur Elay area of Bay region.

Al Shabaab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab denied the attack. &quot;It is just... propaganda,&quot; he told Reuters in&nbsp;Somalia.

Al Shabaab is fighting to topple&nbsp;Somalia&rsquo;s Western-backed transitional federal government and impose its own rule on the Horn of Africa country.

Earlier this month, the US&nbsp;warned of a threat to its diplomatic staff in Mogadishu and directed all non-essential staff to leave the capital.

Al Shabaab has lost control of most of&nbsp;Somalia&rsquo;s cities and towns since it was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011. But it retains a strong presence in parts of the south and center and carries out gun and bomb attacks.

&quot;Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US&nbsp;and our partners in the region,&quot; the US&nbsp;military statement said.

Al Shabaab aims to topple&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s government, drive out African Union peacekeeping troops and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law.

Earlier this month, the US&nbsp;military also carried out its first&nbsp;strikes against Islamic State&nbsp;militants in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and said it killed &quot;several terrorists.&quot;

The military's Africa Command said the?strike?was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target?militants

The US military said it killed more than 100 Islamist militants in Somalia on Tuesday when it launched an air strike against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group that wants to topple the UN-backed government. The military's Africa Command said the strike was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target militants. The strike was done in coordination with Somalia's federal government, the Pentagon said. US air strikes killing such a large number of militants in Somalia are rare, but not unprecedented. In March 2016, a US air strike killed more than 150 al Shabaab fighters in Somalia. Somalia's state news agency SONNA reported late on Tuesday that "about 100 militants" were killed when US planes and Somali commandos attacked al Shabaab bases in the Bur Elay area of Bay region. Al Shabaab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab denied the attack. "It is just... propaganda," he told Reuters in Somalia. Al Shabaab is fighting to topple Somalia’s Western-backed transitional federal government and impose its own rule on the Horn of Africa country. Earlier this month, the US warned of a threat to its diplomatic staff in Mogadishu and directed all non-essential staff to leave the capital. Al Shabaab has lost control of most of Somalia’s cities and towns since it was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011. But it retains a strong presence in parts of the south and center and carries out gun and bomb attacks. "Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US and our partners in the region," the US military statement said. Al Shabaab aims to topple Somalia's government, drive out African Union peacekeeping troops and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. Earlier this month, the US military also carried out its first strikes against Islamic State militants in Somalia and said it killed "several terrorists."

US says air strike kills over 100 militants in Somalia

The death toll in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twin-bomb-blasts-in-somalia-capital-kill-over-200-22466">twin bomb attack in Somalia&#39;s capital Mogadishu</a> has risen to more than 300, an official told Reuters on Monday.

No organization<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-kill-us-navy-seal-in-somalia-two-troops-injured-15269"> has claimed responsibility for the blasts</a> which occurred on Saturday.

&quot;We have confirmed 300 people died in the blast. The death toll will still be higher because some people are still missing,&quot; Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of the city&#39;s ambulance service, told Reuters.

Aden Nur, a doctor at the city&#39;s Madina hospital told Reuters that they had recorded 258 deaths while Ahmed Ali, a nurse at the nearby Osman Fiqi hospital, told Reuters five bodies had been sent there.

Nur said 160&nbsp;bodies could not be recognized.&nbsp;

&quot;There is still a national rescue operation underway,&quot;&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s information ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be &quot;national mourning and prayers for the victims&quot; in the coming days.

Saturday&#39;s blast is the worst in Somalia&#39;s history, came six years after Shabaab militants were pushed out of Mogadishu by African Union and Somali troops.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the blasts which occurred on Saturday.

The death toll in the twin bomb attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu has risen to more than 300, an official told Reuters on Monday. No organization has claimed responsibility for the blasts which occurred on Saturday. "We have confirmed 300 people died in the blast. The death toll will still be higher because some people are still missing," Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of the city's ambulance service, told Reuters. Aden Nur, a doctor at the city's Madina hospital told Reuters that they had recorded 258 deaths while Ahmed Ali, a nurse at the nearby Osman Fiqi hospital, told Reuters five bodies had been sent there. Nur said 160 bodies could not be recognized. "There is still a national rescue operation underway," Somalia's information ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be "national mourning and prayers for the victims" in the coming days. Saturday's blast is the worst in Somalia's history, came six years after Shabaab militants were pushed out of Mogadishu by African Union and Somali troops.

Watch Somalia bomb attack: Death toll rises to over 300

At least 276 people have been killed and 300 injured by a massive truck bomb that tore through a busy shopping district of Mogadishu, the government said Monday, making it the &quot;deadliest attack ever&quot; to hit war-torn Somalia.

The figure was a huge jump from an initial police estimate of 20 dead in the hours after the deadly explosion ripped through the Somali capital on Saturday, causing scenes of carnage and widespread devastation.

&quot;Somalia Federal government confirmed that 276 people were killed in the blast... and 300 others wounded people were admitted at the different hospitals in Mogadishu,&quot; the country&#39;s ministry of information said.

&quot;There is still national rescue operation,&quot; ongoing the ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be &quot;national mourning and prayers for the victims&quot; in the coming days.

Police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP that many of the victims were &quot;burned beyond recognition&quot; in what he described as &quot;the deadliest attack ever.&quot;

Rescuers worked through the night to try to pull bodies from the rubble after the truck bomb exploded outside of the Safari Hotel on a busy road junction, levelling buildings and leaving many vehicles in flames.

&quot;This is the most painful incident I can remember,&quot; the deputy speaker of the Somali Senate Abshir Ahmed said in a Facebook post after visiting the Medina hospital where many of the victims had been taken.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Shabaab, a militant group aligned with Al-Qaeda, has carried out dozens of suicide bombings in its bid to overthrow Somalia&#39;s internationally-backed government.

Saturday&#39;s blast was universally condemned, including by the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Turkey and the African Union.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&#39;s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara was sending planes &quot;with medical supplies&quot;, adding that the wounded would be flown to Turkey and treated there. The country is a leading donor and investor in Somalia.

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Somali government forces and civilians gather at the scene of an explosion on KM4 street in the Hodan district of Mogadishu. (Reuters)
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A spokesman for Aamin Ambulance service said it knew of more than 250 people wounded during the bombings on Saturday. (Reuters)
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&#39;Stand united&#39; 
Mogadishu&#39;s mayor Tabid Abdi Mohamed also visited those wounded in the blast and said the horror of the attack was &quot;unspeakable&quot;.

&quot;There is no tragedy worse than when someone comes to the dead body of their relative and cannot recognise them.&quot;

Hundreds of people, chanting anti-violence slogans and wearing red or white bandanas around their heads in a show of grief, took to the streets of Mogadishu to condemn the deadly attack that has shocked Somalians.

&quot;We have seen what the terrorists can mercilessly do by shedding the blood of innocent civilians,&quot; Mohamed told the protesters after they ended their march at a square in southern Mogadishu. &quot;We need to stand united against them&quot;.

Activist Abukar Sheik added: &quot;There is no house in which people are not crying today.&quot;

The explosion occurred at a junction in Hodan, a bustling commercial district which has many shops, hotels and businesses in the city&#39;s northwest.

Security officials said hundreds of people had been in the area at the time of the blast, with police saying it was difficult to get a precise number of victims because the bodies had been taken to different medical centres while others had been taken directly by their relatives for burial.

As the rescue work continued, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, declared three days of mourning as he visited the attack site and then met with some of the wounded at a nearby hospital.

&quot;Today&#39;s incident was a horrible attack carried out by Al-Shabab against innocent civilians that was not aimed at specific Somali government targets,&quot; he said in a televised address to the nation.&nbsp;

&quot;This shows how these violent elements are ruthlessly and indiscriminately targeting innocent people.&quot;

&#39;Whole area destroyed&#39; 
Although the Safari Hotel was popular, it was not one frequented by government officials -- which have often been targeted by Shabaab militants.&nbsp;

The devastation caused was widespread. Muhidin Ali, a Mogadishu resident who was close by at the time said it was, &quot;the biggest blast I have ever witnessed, it destroyed the whole area.&quot;

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani wrote on Twitter that the country&#39;s embassy had been badly damaged in the blast and one of its top officials wounded.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Somali Journalists said a freelance cameraman, Ali Nur Siyaad, had been killed and four other journalists wounded in the explosion.

The Red Cross in Somalia said five of its volunteers had also been killed during the blast many others wounded.&nbsp;

The Shabaab was forced out of the capital six years ago by African Union and Somali troops, and subsequently lost control of major towns across southern Somalia.

However, the militants continue to control rural areas and launch attacks on military, government and civilian targets in Somalia, as well as terrorist raids in neighbouring Kenya.

Saturday&#39;s blast came two days after Somalia&#39;s defence minister and army chief both resigned from their posts without explanation.

300 people were wounded in the "deadliest attack ever" to hit war-torn Somalia

At least 276 people have been killed and 300 injured by a massive truck bomb that tore through a busy shopping district of Mogadishu, the government said Monday, making it the "deadliest attack ever" to hit war-torn Somalia. The figure was a huge jump from an initial police estimate of 20 dead in the hours after the deadly explosion ripped through the Somali capital on Saturday, causing scenes of carnage and widespread devastation. "Somalia Federal government confirmed that 276 people were killed in the blast... and 300 others wounded people were admitted at the different hospitals in Mogadishu," the country's ministry of information said. "There is still national rescue operation," ongoing the ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be "national mourning and prayers for the victims" in the coming days. Police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP that many of the victims were "burned beyond recognition" in what he described as "the deadliest attack ever." Rescuers worked through the night to try to pull bodies from the rubble after the truck bomb exploded outside of the Safari Hotel on a busy road junction, levelling buildings and leaving many vehicles in flames. "This is the most painful incident I can remember," the deputy speaker of the Somali Senate Abshir Ahmed said in a Facebook post after visiting the Medina hospital where many of the victims had been taken. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Shabaab, a militant group aligned with Al-Qaeda, has carried out dozens of suicide bombings in its bid to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government. Saturday's blast was universally condemned, including by the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Turkey and the African Union. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara was sending planes "with medical supplies", adding that the wounded would be flown to Turkey and treated there. The country is a leading donor and investor in Somalia. Somali government forces and civilians gather at the scene of an explosion on KM4 street in the Hodan district of Mogadishu. (Reuters) × A spokesman for Aamin Ambulance service said it knew of more than 250 people wounded during the bombings on Saturday. (Reuters) × 'Stand united' Mogadishu's mayor Tabid Abdi Mohamed also visited those wounded in the blast and said the horror of the attack was "unspeakable". "There is no tragedy worse than when someone comes to the dead body of their relative and cannot recognise them." Hundreds of people, chanting anti-violence slogans and wearing red or white bandanas around their heads in a show of grief, took to the streets of Mogadishu to condemn the deadly attack that has shocked Somalians. "We have seen what the terrorists can mercilessly do by shedding the blood of innocent civilians," Mohamed told the protesters after they ended their march at a square in southern Mogadishu. "We need to stand united against them". Activist Abukar Sheik added: "There is no house in which people are not crying today." The explosion occurred at a junction in Hodan, a bustling commercial district which has many shops, hotels and businesses in the city's northwest. Security officials said hundreds of people had been in the area at the time of the blast, with police saying it was difficult to get a precise number of victims because the bodies had been taken to different medical centres while others had been taken directly by their relatives for burial. As the rescue work continued, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, declared three days of mourning as he visited the attack site and then met with some of the wounded at a nearby hospital. "Today's incident was a horrible attack carried out by Al-Shabab against innocent civilians that was not aimed at specific Somali government targets," he said in a televised address to the nation. "This shows how these violent elements are ruthlessly and indiscriminately targeting innocent people." 'Whole area destroyed' Although the Safari Hotel was popular, it was not one frequented by government officials -- which have often been targeted by Shabaab militants. The devastation caused was widespread. Muhidin Ali, a Mogadishu resident who was close by at the time said it was, "the biggest blast I have ever witnessed, it destroyed the whole area." Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani wrote on Twitter that the country's embassy had been badly damaged in the blast and one of its top officials wounded. Meanwhile, the National Union of Somali Journalists said a freelance cameraman, Ali Nur Siyaad, had been killed and four other journalists wounded in the explosion. The Red Cross in Somalia said five of its volunteers had also been killed during the blast many others wounded. The Shabaab was forced out of the capital six years ago by African Union and Somali troops, and subsequently lost control of major towns across southern Somalia. However, the militants continue to control rural areas and launch attacks on military, government and civilian targets in Somalia, as well as terrorist raids in neighbouring Kenya. Saturday's blast came two days after Somalia's defence minister and army chief both resigned from their posts without explanation.

VIDEO: Massive Somalia truck bomb kills at least 276

Somalia&#39;s capital Mogadishu was struck by an explosion targeted at government buildings leading to heavy casualties.

&quot;We heard a huge explosion in Wadajir district, there are some casualties, but the number is unknown,&quot; Abifutah Omar Halane, the spokesman for Mogadishu&#39;s mayor told Reuters.

At least 10 people have been&nbsp;killed and 20 others wounded, reports said.&nbsp;

al Shabaab, an al Qaida-linked terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al Shabaab said it was a car bomb attack targeted at government buildings.

&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s a suicide car bomb in Wadajir District building in which Somali officials and their staff stay. There are government and their staff who have died at the scene. We will tell you the number of dead later,&quot; Reuters quoted Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab spokesman for military operations.

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At least 10 people were killed and 20 others were wounded on Tuesday (June 20) in a car bombing in Somali capital Mogadishu (WION)
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al Shabaab, an al Qaida-linked terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack

Somalia's capital Mogadishu was struck by an explosion targeted at government buildings leading to heavy casualties. "We heard a huge explosion in Wadajir district, there are some casualties, but the number is unknown," Abifutah Omar Halane, the spokesman for Mogadishu's mayor told Reuters. At least 10 people have been killed and 20 others wounded, reports said. al Shabaab, an al Qaida-linked terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack. Al Shabaab said it was a car bomb attack targeted at government buildings. "It's a suicide car bomb in Wadajir District building in which Somali officials and their staff stay. There are government and their staff who have died at the scene. We will tell you the number of dead later," Reuters quoted Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab spokesman for military operations. At least 10 people were killed and 20 others were wounded on Tuesday (June 20) in a car bombing in Somali capital Mogadishu (WION) ×

Car bomb attack in Mogadishu, al Shabaab claims responsibility

A bombing claimed by Islamist insurgents killed five civilians and injured six more in the Somali capital on Wednesday, a spokesman for the city&#39;s mayor said, underscoring the militants&#39; ability to carry out attacks despite territorial losses.

Bombings are a near-daily occurrence in Mogadishu. Most are claimed by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militia, which is fighting to overthrow the weak UN-backed government and drive out the African Union peacekeeping force that supports it.

&quot;We have confirmed that five civilians, including a mother and her son, have died,&quot; said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu mayor.

A Reuters reporter at the scene saw burnt bodies and a wrecked car near a damaged police checkpoint.

A spokesman for al Shabaab&#39;s military operations said one of the group&#39;s fighters was killed in the incident.

&quot;One mujahid (fighter) was martyred after he targeted security officials with his car bomb,&quot; said the spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab.

Since withdrawing from Mogadishu in 2011, al Shabaab has lost control of most of Somalia&#39;s cities and towns. But it still retains a strong presence in swathes of the south and centre.

Also on Wednesday, eight Kenyan security officers were killed on the Kenyan side of the Somali border in two separate roadside bombings. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks.

Adding to the violence, a small jihadist group in the north of Somalia has split from the main insurgency and declared allegiance to Islamic State. That group claimed responsibility for a bombing in the northern city of Bosasso that killed five people on Tuesday.

Somalia has been mired in civil war since 1991. It is also suffering from a regional drought that threatens to tip its population of 12 million into famine.

(Reuters)

Bombings are a near-daily occurrence in Mogadishu, where al Shabaab fights to overthrow the weak UN-backed government

A bombing claimed by Islamist insurgents killed five civilians and injured six more in the Somali capital on Wednesday, a spokesman for the city's mayor said, underscoring the militants' ability to carry out attacks despite territorial losses. Bombings are a near-daily occurrence in Mogadishu. Most are claimed by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militia, which is fighting to overthrow the weak UN-backed government and drive out the African Union peacekeeping force that supports it. "We have confirmed that five civilians, including a mother and her son, have died," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu mayor. A Reuters reporter at the scene saw burnt bodies and a wrecked car near a damaged police checkpoint. A spokesman for al Shabaab's military operations said one of the group's fighters was killed in the incident. "One mujahid (fighter) was martyred after he targeted security officials with his car bomb," said the spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab. Since withdrawing from Mogadishu in 2011, al Shabaab has lost control of most of Somalia's cities and towns. But it still retains a strong presence in swathes of the south and centre. Also on Wednesday, eight Kenyan security officers were killed on the Kenyan side of the Somali border in two separate roadside bombings. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks. Adding to the violence, a small jihadist group in the north of Somalia has split from the main insurgency and declared allegiance to Islamic State. That group claimed responsibility for a bombing in the northern city of Bosasso that killed five people on Tuesday. Somalia has been mired in civil war since 1991. It is also suffering from a regional drought that threatens to tip its population of 12 million into famine. (Reuters)

Al Shabaab bombing in Somali capital kills five, injures six

The White House has granted the US &nbsp;military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Last Friday, the head of US &nbsp;forces in Africa said that greater ability to fight the militants would lead to more flexibility and quicker targeting.

Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government.

The group&#39;s insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia&#39;s western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state.

The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defence of partnered forces.

Two US &nbsp;defence officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said parts of Somalia had been declared an &quot;area of active hostilities&quot; for at least 180 days by the White House on Wednesday night. The capital of Mogadishu was not included.

This broader authority would allow the United States to carry out offensive strikes against al Shabaab militants even if the militants were not attacking partnered forces, the officials said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said President Donald Trump had approved a request for &quot;additional precision fired in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces.&quot;

&quot;The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabaab safe havens from which it could attack US &nbsp;citizens or US &nbsp;interests in the region,&quot; Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in the statement.

(Reuters)

The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defence of partnered forces

The White House has granted the US military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, the Pentagon said on Thursday. Last Friday, the head of US forces in Africa said that greater ability to fight the militants would lead to more flexibility and quicker targeting. Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government. The group's insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia's western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state. The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defence of partnered forces. Two US defence officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said parts of Somalia had been declared an "area of active hostilities" for at least 180 days by the White House on Wednesday night. The capital of Mogadishu was not included. This broader authority would allow the United States to carry out offensive strikes against al Shabaab militants even if the militants were not attacking partnered forces, the officials said. In a statement, the Pentagon said President Donald Trump had approved a request for "additional precision fired in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces." "The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabaab safe havens from which it could attack US citizens or US interests in the region," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in the statement. (Reuters)

Trump grants US military more authority to attack militants in Somalia

The death toll in&nbsp;the Somali hotel attack has risen to 28 as more people succumbed&nbsp;to injuries, AFP news wire quoting&nbsp;emergency services in Mogadishu has informed.

Earlier, at least 13 people were killed in the Somali capital Mogadishu when a suspected suicide car bomb rammed into the gate of a hotel shortly before a second bomb was detonated as security forces and journalists gathered at the scene.

The second blast was caught by a Reuters camera, sending journalists running for cover. A number of journalists were injured by the bomb blast.

Politicians often stay at the Dayah hotel. Around a dozen were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment. The dead included civilians and members of the security forces.

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Andalus radio station reported Somalia&#39;s militant group al-Shabaab was behind the attack (WION)
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Somalia&#39;s militant group al Shabaab was behind the attack, Andalus radio station - which is close to the group - reported.

Al Shabaab, which until 2011 controlled Mogadishu and much of Somalia, often launches bomb and gun attacks in the capital, saying it wants to topple the Western-backed government and impose its strict interpretation of Islam on the nation.

In the past two years, a campaign by African Union troops and Somali forces has driven the group out of key urban strongholds, but it remains active from bases in rural areas.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

Andalus radio station reported Somalia's militant group al Shabaab was behind the attack

The death toll in the Somali hotel attack has risen to 28 as more people succumbed to injuries, AFP news wire quoting emergency services in Mogadishu has informed. Earlier, at least 13 people were killed in the Somali capital Mogadishu when a suspected suicide car bomb rammed into the gate of a hotel shortly before a second bomb was detonated as security forces and journalists gathered at the scene. The second blast was caught by a Reuters camera, sending journalists running for cover. A number of journalists were injured by the bomb blast. Politicians often stay at the Dayah hotel. Around a dozen were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment. The dead included civilians and members of the security forces. Andalus radio station reported Somalia's militant group al-Shabaab was behind the attack (WION) × Somalia's militant group al Shabaab was behind the attack, Andalus radio station - which is close to the group - reported. Al Shabaab, which until 2011 controlled Mogadishu and much of Somalia, often launches bomb and gun attacks in the capital, saying it wants to topple the Western-backed government and impose its strict interpretation of Islam on the nation. In the past two years, a campaign by African Union troops and Somali forces has driven the group out of key urban strongholds, but it remains active from bases in rural areas. (Reuters)

Mogadishu hotel bomb attack: Death toll rises to 28

A car bomb went off outside the president&#39;s residence in Somalia&#39;s capital on Tuesday, damaging nearby hotels, police informed. 
 
&quot;A suicide car bomb exploded outside the presidential palace. So far two hotels opposite 
the palace are partially destroyed,&quot; Major Mohamed Ali, a police officer, told Reuters over 
phone. 
 
(WION)

The explosion in the capital damaged nearby hotel buildings

A car bomb went off outside the president's residence in Somalia's capital on Tuesday, damaging nearby hotels, police informed. "A suicide car bomb exploded outside the presidential palace. So far two hotels opposite the palace are partially destroyed," Major Mohamed Ali, a police officer, told Reuters over phone. (WION)

Car bomb explodes outside president's residence in Somalia

At least seven people, including two attackers, were killed in a bombing and shooting attack by the Islamist al Shabaab group on Somalia&#39;s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters today, police said. 
 
&quot;We have confirmed seven dead, including civilians and two militants,&quot; Ali Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters. 
 
He said police had killed two gunmen who stormed into the building in the capital after two car bombs exploded outside. 
 
(Reuters)

Police killed the two Islamist al Shabaab militants, who stormed into the building after two car bombs exploded outside

At least seven people, including two attackers, were killed in a bombing and shooting attack by the Islamist al Shabaab group on Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters today, police said. "We have confirmed seven dead, including civilians and two militants," Ali Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters. He said police had killed two gunmen who stormed into the building in the capital after two car bombs exploded outside. (Reuters)

7 killed in attack on Somalia's central investigation department headquarters

At least eight people were killed today when two huge bombs went off near Mogadishu&#39;s airport, including one close to the UN&#39;s political office in the Somali capital, a security source told AFP. 
 
An AFP journalist at the scene heard gunfire after the explosions tore through the area, one of which was believed to be a car bomb. 
 
Somalia&#39;s Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab has carried out a string of similar attacks. 
 
The city&#39;s airport is heavily fortified and adjoins the capital&#39;s main base for the African Union mission to Somalia, the 22,000-strong force backing the government in the battle against Shabaab insurgents. 
 
The jihadists were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 but remain a serious threat in both Somalia and neighbouring Kenya, where they carry out frequent attacks. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab has carried out a string of similar attacks

At least eight people were killed today when two huge bombs went off near Mogadishu's airport, including one close to the UN's political office in the Somali capital, a security source told AFP. An AFP journalist at the scene heard gunfire after the explosions tore through the area, one of which was believed to be a car bomb. Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab has carried out a string of similar attacks. The city's airport is heavily fortified and adjoins the capital's main base for the African Union mission to Somalia, the 22,000-strong force backing the government in the battle against Shabaab insurgents. The jihadists were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 but remain a serious threat in both Somalia and neighbouring Kenya, where they carry out frequent attacks. (AFP)

Twin explosions kill at least 8 in Somali capital

Somalia&#39;s al Shabaab Islamist group launched a suicide bomb attack on a hotel in the centre of Mogadishu on Saturday before fighters stormed inside, police and the militant group said. 
 
Police said at least seven people had died and 10 others were wounded. Gunfire echoed round the seaside city after the blast and ambulances raced to the scene. 
 
&quot;We attacked the hotel which was frequented by the apostate government members,&quot; al Shabaab military operations spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters, adding that the group&#39;s fighters were inside the building. 
 
Al Shabaab frequently carries out attacks in the capital in its bid to topple the Western-backed government. 
 
&quot;Those who died included civilians and hotel guards,&quot; police major Ali Hassan told Reuters. 
 
&quot;We have rescued many people from the back door. No one can enter the building from the front or near the front. There are snipers there,&quot; he said as fighting continued. 
 
Earlier, another police officer said the initial blast was caused by a suicide bomber before fighters stormed into the Nasahablood hotel. There was a heavy exchange of gunfire. 
 
Muslims in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and around the world are observing Ramadan. In previous years, al Shabaab has often intensified attacks during the fasting month, often picking targets where people gather just before or after breaking the fast. 
 
(Reuters)

Somalia's al Shabaab Islamist group launched a suicide bomb attack on a hotel in the centre of Mogadishu on Saturday before fighters stormed inside, police and the militant group said. Police said at least seven people had died and 10 others were wounded. Gunfire echoed round the seaside city after the blast and ambulances raced to the scene. "We attacked the hotel which was frequented by the apostate government members," al Shabaab military operations spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters, adding that the group's fighters were inside the building. Al Shabaab frequently carries out attacks in the capital in its bid to topple the Western-backed government. "Those who died included civilians and hotel guards," police major Ali Hassan told Reuters. "We have rescued many people from the back door. No one can enter the building from the front or near the front. There are snipers there," he said as fighting continued. Earlier, another police officer said the initial blast was caused by a suicide bomber before fighters stormed into the Nasahablood hotel. There was a heavy exchange of gunfire. Muslims in Somalia and around the world are observing Ramadan. In previous years, al Shabaab has often intensified attacks during the fasting month, often picking targets where people gather just before or after breaking the fast. (Reuters)

Somalia Islamist group al Shabaab launch suicide bomb attack before storming inside Mogadishu hotel

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