Nine people, including senior regional officials, were killed in twin car bombings claimed by Al-Shabaab in central&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;on Monday, police said, as the government escalates an offensive against the Islamists.&nbsp;

Two cars packed with explosives were detonated minutes apart outside local government offices in Beledweyne, a city at the heart of recent offensives against the Al-Qaeda-linked militants who control swathes of&nbsp;Somalia.

"The initial information we have received confirms the death of nine people" including a state minister and a commissioner, said Mohamed Moalim Ali, a local police commander.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-says-it-killed-al-shabaab-co-founder-522004">Also read |&nbsp;Somalia says it killed al Shabaab co-founder</a>

The health minister of Hirshabelle state -- where Beledweyne is located -- and a deputy district commissioner were among the dead, Ali added, with 10 others injured in the "suicide attacks."

Somali forces and "international security partners" have been waging an aggressive counterinsurgency in recent weeks, with the government on Monday announcing the killing of Abdullahi Yare, a top Al-Shabaab operative, in a joint air strike on Saturday in the south of the country.

"This leader... was the head preacher of the group and one of the most notorious members of the Shabaab group," the ministry of information said.

A co-founder of Al-Shabaab with a $3 million US bounty on his head, Yare was believed to be next in line to take over the leadership of the movement from its ailing chief Ahmed Diriye, according to the ministry.

The US Africa Command said Monday that it carried out a drone strike targeting Al-Shabaab two days earlier in coordination with&nbsp;Somalia's federal government.

"The command's initial assessment is that the strike killed an Al-Shabaab leader and that no civilians were injured or killed," it said in a statement.

Somalia's recently elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed an all-out war on the jihadists, after a string of deadly attacks, including a 30-hour hotel siege in the capital Mogadishu that killed 21 people.

Mohamud last month urged citizens to stay away from areas controlled by Al-Shabaab as government forces supported by local clan militias launched offensives in Hiraan region, of which Beledweyne is the capital.

Military officials and clan elders told AFP that local residents had decided to take up arms against the militants, who have been accused of extorting money from them.

Huge explosion

Witnesses of Monday's twin bombings described a smaller blast followed by a massive second explosion.

"The explosion was huge, and it destroyed most buildings" nearby, said Mohamud Addow, who witnessed the attack.&nbsp;

"I saw several people rushed to hospital and some dead bodies... some were unrecognisable."

The United States, which recently restored a military presence in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;to fight the jihadists, condemned the bombings.

The attacks "targeted gov't officials working to bring peace to the region &amp; healthcare workers tending to the wounded," the US embassy in Mogadishu said on Twitter.

Al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the bombings, has waged a bloody insurrection against the Mogadishu government for 15 years and remains a potent force despite an African Union operation against the group.

Its fighters were ousted from the capital in 2011 but continue to stage attacks on military, government and civilian targets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-30-hours-somali-forces-end-deadly-siege-on-mogadishu-hotel-508754">Also read |&nbsp;After 30 hours, Somali forces end deadly siege on Mogadishu hotel</a>

The group last week claimed responsibility for a bomb blast that killed a top Somali police officer near the Al-Shabaab-controlled village of Bursa, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Mogadishu.&nbsp;

US forces have in the past partnered with African Union soldiers and Somali troops in counterterrorism operations, and have conducted frequent raids and drone strikes on Al-Shabaab training camps throughout&nbsp;Somalia.

Last month, the US military said it had killed 27 jihadist fighters in an air strike near Bulobarde, the main town on the road linking Mogadishu to Beledweyne.

It said the air strike was carried out "at the request" of the Somali government.

President Joe Biden decided to restore a US military presence in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in May, approving a request from the Pentagon, which deemed his predecessor Donald Trump's rotation system too risky and ineffective.

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Nine people, including senior regional officials, were killed in twin car bombings claimed by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia on Monday, police said, as the government escalates an offensive against the Islamists.

Nine people, including senior regional officials, were killed in twin car bombings claimed by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia on Monday, police said, as the government escalates an offensive against the Islamists. Two cars packed with explosives were detonated minutes apart outside local government offices in Beledweyne, a city at the heart of recent offensives against the Al-Qaeda-linked militants who control swathes of Somalia. "The initial information we have received confirms the death of nine people" including a state minister and a commissioner, said Mohamed Moalim Ali, a local police commander. Also read | Somalia says it killed al Shabaab co-founder The health minister of Hirshabelle state -- where Beledweyne is located -- and a deputy district commissioner were among the dead, Ali added, with 10 others injured in the "suicide attacks." Somali forces and "international security partners" have been waging an aggressive counterinsurgency in recent weeks, with the government on Monday announcing the killing of Abdullahi Yare, a top Al-Shabaab operative, in a joint air strike on Saturday in the south of the country. "This leader... was the head preacher of the group and one of the most notorious members of the Shabaab group," the ministry of information said. A co-founder of Al-Shabaab with a $3 million US bounty on his head, Yare was believed to be next in line to take over the leadership of the movement from its ailing chief Ahmed Diriye, according to the ministry. The US Africa Command said Monday that it carried out a drone strike targeting Al-Shabaab two days earlier in coordination with Somalia's federal government. "The command's initial assessment is that the strike killed an Al-Shabaab leader and that no civilians were injured or killed," it said in a statement. Somalia's recently elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed an all-out war on the jihadists, after a string of deadly attacks, including a 30-hour hotel siege in the capital Mogadishu that killed 21 people. Mohamud last month urged citizens to stay away from areas controlled by Al-Shabaab as government forces supported by local clan militias launched offensives in Hiraan region, of which Beledweyne is the capital. Military officials and clan elders told AFP that local residents had decided to take up arms against the militants, who have been accused of extorting money from them. Huge explosion Witnesses of Monday's twin bombings described a smaller blast followed by a massive second explosion. "The explosion was huge, and it destroyed most buildings" nearby, said Mohamud Addow, who witnessed the attack. "I saw several people rushed to hospital and some dead bodies... some were unrecognisable." The United States, which recently restored a military presence in Somalia to fight the jihadists, condemned the bombings. The attacks "targeted gov't officials working to bring peace to the region & healthcare workers tending to the wounded," the US embassy in Mogadishu said on Twitter. Al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the bombings, has waged a bloody insurrection against the Mogadishu government for 15 years and remains a potent force despite an African Union operation against the group. Its fighters were ousted from the capital in 2011 but continue to stage attacks on military, government and civilian targets. Also read | After 30 hours, Somali forces end deadly siege on Mogadishu hotel The group last week claimed responsibility for a bomb blast that killed a top Somali police officer near the Al-Shabaab-controlled village of Bursa, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Mogadishu. US forces have in the past partnered with African Union soldiers and Somali troops in counterterrorism operations, and have conducted frequent raids and drone strikes on Al-Shabaab training camps throughout Somalia. Last month, the US military said it had killed 27 jihadist fighters in an air strike near Bulobarde, the main town on the road linking Mogadishu to Beledweyne. It said the air strike was carried out "at the request" of the Somali government. President Joe Biden decided to restore a US military presence in Somalia in May, approving a request from the Pentagon, which deemed his predecessor Donald Trump's rotation system too risky and ineffective. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Senior officials among nine dead in Somalia car bombings

The Somali government announced on Monday a top Al-Shabaab militant, who had a $3.0-million US bounty on his head, had been killed in a joint air strike in southern Somalia.

Somalia: Top Al-Shabaab leader killed in joint operation

Somalia's government said late on Sunday that it had killed Abdullahi Nadir, one of the co-founders of Islamist militant group al Shabaab, in an operation with international partners.

Somali security forces have touted gains made in recent weeks against the al Qaeda-linked group while fighting alongside local self-defence groups. But al Shabaab has continued to conduct deadly raids, including two last Friday that killed at least 16 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-hotel-siege-enters-second-day-at-least-12-dead-till-now-508737">Also read |&nbsp;Somalia: Hotel siege enters second day, at least 12 dead till now</a>

Somalia's information ministry said in a statement that the operation that killed Nadir happened on Saturday. It said he was al Shabaab's chief prosecutor and was in line to replace the group's leader, Ahmed Diriye, who is sick.

"His death is a thorn removed from the Somali nation," the ministry's statement said. "The government is grateful to the Somali people and international friends whose cooperation facilitated the killing of this leader who was an enemy of the Somali nation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attack-on-mogadishu-hotel-leaves-several-injured-jihadist-group-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-508555">Also read |&nbsp;16 killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel; Jihadist group Al-Shabaab takes onus</a>

Al Shabaab insurgents have killed tens of thousands of people in bombings since 2006 in their fight to overthrow&nbsp;Somalia's Western-backed central government and implement its interpretation of Islamic law.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, elected by lawmakers in May, has promised to take the fight to the insurgents after three years in which his predecessor, consumed by political infighting, took little action against al Shabaab.

Somalia's military is supported by US&nbsp;troops and drones and an African Union peacekeeping mission. It was not immediately clear which international partners participated in the operation that killed Nadir.

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Somalia's government said late on Sunday that it had killed Abdullahi Nadir, one of the co-founders of Islamist militant group al Shabaab, in an operation with international partners.

Somalia's government said late on Sunday that it had killed Abdullahi Nadir, one of the co-founders of Islamist militant group al Shabaab, in an operation with international partners. Somali security forces have touted gains made in recent weeks against the al Qaeda-linked group while fighting alongside local self-defence groups. But al Shabaab has continued to conduct deadly raids, including two last Friday that killed at least 16 people. Also read | Somalia: Hotel siege enters second day, at least 12 dead till now Somalia's information ministry said in a statement that the operation that killed Nadir happened on Saturday. It said he was al Shabaab's chief prosecutor and was in line to replace the group's leader, Ahmed Diriye, who is sick. "His death is a thorn removed from the Somali nation," the ministry's statement said. "The government is grateful to the Somali people and international friends whose cooperation facilitated the killing of this leader who was an enemy of the Somali nation." Also read | 16 killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel; Jihadist group Al-Shabaab takes onus Al Shabaab insurgents have killed tens of thousands of people in bombings since 2006 in their fight to overthrow Somalia's Western-backed central government and implement its interpretation of Islamic law. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, elected by lawmakers in May, has promised to take the fight to the insurgents after three years in which his predecessor, consumed by political infighting, took little action against al Shabaab. Somalia's military is supported by US troops and drones and an African Union peacekeeping mission. It was not immediately clear which international partners participated in the operation that killed Nadir. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Somalia says it killed al Shabaab co-founder

Somalia is facing a "very alarming" situation after more than four years of drought have devastated livestock many people depend upon, a top UN official said. The United Nations has warned that the Horn of Africa nation is on the brink of famine for the second time in just over a decade.

WION Climate Tracker | UN: Somalia facing 'very alarming' situation

Hunger levels in Somalia have left more than 500,000 children at the risk of dying. Amid a deadly famine, the mothers and famine hit Somalis are now bringing their starving children to nutrition centers with the hope that they can get some access to food.

WION Climate Tracker | Somalia's children face starvation deaths

Somalia is facing a deadly drought. The situation in the country is growing grimmer with each passing day. The UN has even warned that the drought has left Somalia on the brink of famine.

WION Climate Tracker | UNICEF warns of disease outbreak among children in Somalia

The United Nations is warning that Somalia is now on the brink of famine. U.N humanitarian Chief Martin Griffiths on a visit to Mogadishu said time is running out to save lives

At least 22 million Somalian face the risk of famine; UN warns that Somalia is running out of time

The United Nations Humanitarian Chief has warned that drought ravaged Somalia was on the brink of famine and that time is running out to save lives.

WION Climate Tracker | UN: Somalia is on brink of famine; risk of starvation rises

Fighters from the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab have killed at least 19 civilians in a night-time attack in central&nbsp;Somalia, clan chiefs and local officials said on Saturday.

The attack comes two weeks after Al-Shabaab, which has waged a long insurgency against the Somali state, besieged a hotel in the capital Mogadishu for 30 hours, leaving 21 people dead and 117 injured.

The sources said at least eight vehicles were travelling on a road between the towns of Beledweyne and Maxaas when the insurgents intercepted and burned them and killed the passengers overnight Friday to Saturday by Afar-Irdood village.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-30-hours-somali-forces-end-deadly-siege-on-mogadishu-hotel-508754">Also read |&nbsp;After 30 hours, Somali forces end deadly siege on Mogadishu hotel</a>

"The terrorists massacred innocent civilians who were travelling... last night. We don't have the exact number of victims, but 19 dead bodies have been collected," local clan elder Abdulahi Hared told AFP.

"The dead bodies are still being collected, including women and children. They could be more than 20," said Ali Jeyte, the governor of the Hiiraan region where the attack happened.

"This was a horrible attack that has never happened in our region. These were innocent civilians who did nothing to deserve this," added another local clan leader, Mohamed Abdirahman.

Al-Shabaab in a statement said they targeted fighters from a local sub-clan that recently helped government forces and that they killed 20 "militiamen and those who were transporting material for them", destroying nine of their vehicles.

Local fighters and the security forces recaptured several villages from Al-Shabaab in the region in late August.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud "strongly condemns the despicable acts of murder against innocent civilians", the Somali presidency said on Twitter.

"The President underscored that his government will leave no stone unturned in the fight against terrorism in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and the region."

Watch |&nbsp;Somalia hotel attack: 30-hour-long siege comes to an end; Somalian forces claim to defeat attackers

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Ali Gudlawe, president of Hirshabelle state where the attack took place, released a statement offering condolences to the victims' loved ones and promising to continue "operations to cleanse" the region of Al-Shabaab.

"The only way we have is to be united to fight and liberate our country from them. I call upon the society not to be discouraged," said his counterpart in Jubaland state, Ahmed Madobe.

'All-out war'

The Al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting&nbsp;Somalia's internationally backed federal government since 2007.

It has been driven out of the country's main cities, including Mogadishu in 2011, but remains a serious security threat in large areas of the countryside.

Mohamud, elected in May after a protracted political crisis, promised to wage "an all-out war" to eliminate Al-Shabaab following the Mogadishu hotel attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-elects-next-president-but-terrorists-hold-true-power-479119">Also read |&nbsp;Somalia elects next president, but terrorists hold true power</a>

The bloody siege drew international condemnation from partners including the United States, Britain, Turkey and the United Nations.

After Mohamud's election, President Joe Biden said he would restore a US military presence in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;to fight Al-Shabaab.

The Pentagon had recommended the move, considering the rotation system of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump as too risky and ineffective.

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Fighters from the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab have killed at least 19 civilians in a night-time attack in central Somalia, clan chiefs and local officials said on Saturday.

Fighters from the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab have killed at least 19 civilians in a night-time attack in central Somalia, clan chiefs and local officials said on Saturday. The attack comes two weeks after Al-Shabaab, which has waged a long insurgency against the Somali state, besieged a hotel in the capital Mogadishu for 30 hours, leaving 21 people dead and 117 injured. The sources said at least eight vehicles were travelling on a road between the towns of Beledweyne and Maxaas when the insurgents intercepted and burned them and killed the passengers overnight Friday to Saturday by Afar-Irdood village. Also read | After 30 hours, Somali forces end deadly siege on Mogadishu hotel "The terrorists massacred innocent civilians who were travelling... last night. We don't have the exact number of victims, but 19 dead bodies have been collected," local clan elder Abdulahi Hared told AFP. "The dead bodies are still being collected, including women and children. They could be more than 20," said Ali Jeyte, the governor of the Hiiraan region where the attack happened. "This was a horrible attack that has never happened in our region. These were innocent civilians who did nothing to deserve this," added another local clan leader, Mohamed Abdirahman. Al-Shabaab in a statement said they targeted fighters from a local sub-clan that recently helped government forces and that they killed 20 "militiamen and those who were transporting material for them", destroying nine of their vehicles. Local fighters and the security forces recaptured several villages from Al-Shabaab in the region in late August. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud "strongly condemns the despicable acts of murder against innocent civilians", the Somali presidency said on Twitter. "The President underscored that his government will leave no stone unturned in the fight against terrorism in Somalia and the region." Watch | Somalia hotel attack: 30-hour-long siege comes to an end; Somalian forces claim to defeat attackers Ali Gudlawe, president of Hirshabelle state where the attack took place, released a statement offering condolences to the victims' loved ones and promising to continue "operations to cleanse" the region of Al-Shabaab. "The only way we have is to be united to fight and liberate our country from them. I call upon the society not to be discouraged," said his counterpart in Jubaland state, Ahmed Madobe. 'All-out war' The Al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting Somalia's internationally backed federal government since 2007. It has been driven out of the country's main cities, including Mogadishu in 2011, but remains a serious security threat in large areas of the countryside. Mohamud, elected in May after a protracted political crisis, promised to wage "an all-out war" to eliminate Al-Shabaab following the Mogadishu hotel attack. Also read | Somalia elects next president, but terrorists hold true power The bloody siege drew international condemnation from partners including the United States, Britain, Turkey and the United Nations. After Mohamud's election, President Joe Biden said he would restore a US military presence in Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab. The Pentagon had recommended the move, considering the rotation system of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump as too risky and ineffective. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab kills at least 19 Somali civilians

Security forces have ended a siege by Al-Qaeda-linked militants at a hotel in Somalia’s capital in which at least 21 people were killed and dozens injured. The Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Somalia Hotel Siege: At least 21 killed, Al-Shabaab group claims responsibility

An attack on a Mogadishu hotel and a subsequent hostage situation has left 21 dead. Somali fighters took 30 hours to regain control of the hotel from Al-Shabab terrorists. Some guests had locked themselves in a hotel room, 3 children hid in a toilet. Palki Sharma brings you the story.

Gravitas: Mogadishu hotel siege: How the story unfolded

13 civilians have been killed in attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists. Now, Somalian forces have claimed to defeat attackers. On Friday, Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a famous hotel

Somalia hotel attack: 30-hour-long siege comes to an end; Somalian forces claim to defeat attackers

Somali security forces have after 30 hours ended the deadly siege at a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, reported AFP quoting a security commander.

Speaking to AFP under the condition of anonymity, the commander said, "The security forces have ended the siege now and the gunmen are dead, we've had no incoming gunfire from the building in the past hour."&nbsp;He said that any potential bombs that may have been planted in the building still needed to be removed.

Watch |&nbsp;Terror attack in Mogadishu: Al-Shabab group attacks a hotel in Somalia

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However, he offered no further comment on the total number of civilian or security casualties or the number of Al-Shabaab fighters who had been killed, adding that the government would issue a press briefing on Sunday morning.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attack-on-mogadishu-hotel-leaves-several-injured-jihadist-group-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-508555" hreflang="en">16 killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel; Jihadist group Al-Shabaab takes onus</a>

Abdiaziz Abu-Musab, an Al-Shabaab spokesperson, as per AFP stated earlier on Saturday that the organisation's forces were still in charge of the structure and had "inflicted heavy casualties."

The jihadists asserted that they held hostages during the siege, including government and security personnel, in a statement released by the group's press agency and cited by the SITE Intelligence monitoring group.

The attack has been sharply criticised by Somalia's allies, including the US, UK, and Turkey as well as by the UN and ATMIS, the African Union force tasked with assisting Somali forces to take over primary responsibility for security by the end of 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Somali security forces have after 30 hours ended the deadly siege at a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, reported AFP quoting a security commander. Speaking to AFP under the condition of anonymity, the commander said, "The security forces have ended the siege now and the gunmen are dead, we've had no incoming gunfire from the building in the past hour.

Somali security forces have after 30 hours ended the deadly siege at a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, reported AFP quoting a security commander. Speaking to AFP under the condition of anonymity, the commander said, "The security forces have ended the siege now and the gunmen are dead, we've had no incoming gunfire from the building in the past hour." He said that any potential bombs that may have been planted in the building still needed to be removed. Watch | Terror attack in Mogadishu: Al-Shabab group attacks a hotel in Somalia However, he offered no further comment on the total number of civilian or security casualties or the number of Al-Shabaab fighters who had been killed, adding that the government would issue a press briefing on Sunday morning. Also read | 16 killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel; Jihadist group Al-Shabaab takes onus Abdiaziz Abu-Musab, an Al-Shabaab spokesperson, as per AFP stated earlier on Saturday that the organisation's forces were still in charge of the structure and had "inflicted heavy casualties." The jihadists asserted that they held hostages during the siege, including government and security personnel, in a statement released by the group's press agency and cited by the SITE Intelligence monitoring group. The attack has been sharply criticised by Somalia's allies, including the US, UK, and Turkey as well as by the UN and ATMIS, the African Union force tasked with assisting Somali forces to take over primary responsibility for security by the end of 2024. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After 30 hours, Somali forces end deadly siege on Mogadishu hotel

Over a dozen people have died and many are being held hostage in Somalia's capital Mogadishu. Al-Shabab terrorists attacked a famous hotel and as per reports, the terror group is linked to the Al-Qaeda.

Terror attack in Mogadishu: Al-Shabab group attacks a hotel in Somalia

At least 12 people were dead in an attack by al Qaeda-linked militants on a hotel in Somalian capital Mogadishu. The militants have hostages and even after 24 hours, the authorities are battling to free them. Insurgents from al Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack. The attackers entered Hayat hotel making use of two car bombs before opening fire.&nbsp;

"So far we have confirmed 12 people, mostly civilians, died," Mohammed, an intelligence officer who only gave one name, told Reuters.

Mohammed said that unknown number of people were held hostage on the second floor of the building. This has prevented authorities from using heavy weapons.

They had also bombed out the stairs to make it harder to access certain floors, he said.

The siege entered its second day on Saturday evening. Authorities have till now secured 95 per cent of the building as reported by Somali National Television. The broadcaster did not give an updated number of casualties.

Those battling the militants inside the hotel include Gaashan, a paramilitary force specialising in counter-insurgency, a senior official told Reuters.

The detonations sent huge plumes of smoke over the busy junction on Friday night, and the sound of gunfire still crackled across the capital on Saturday evening.

Explosions were heard on Friday night as government forces tried to wrest control of the hotel back from the militants, witnesses said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 12 people were dead in an attack by al Qaeda-linked militants on a hotel in Somalian capital Mogadishu. The militants have hostages and even after 24 hours, the authorities are battling to free them.

At least 12 people were dead in an attack by al Qaeda-linked militants on a hotel in Somalian capital Mogadishu. The militants have hostages and even after 24 hours, the authorities are battling to free them. Insurgents from al Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack. The attackers entered Hayat hotel making use of two car bombs before opening fire. "So far we have confirmed 12 people, mostly civilians, died," Mohammed, an intelligence officer who only gave one name, told Reuters. Mohammed said that unknown number of people were held hostage on the second floor of the building. This has prevented authorities from using heavy weapons. They had also bombed out the stairs to make it harder to access certain floors, he said. The siege entered its second day on Saturday evening. Authorities have till now secured 95 per cent of the building as reported by Somali National Television. The broadcaster did not give an updated number of casualties. Those battling the militants inside the hotel include Gaashan, a paramilitary force specialising in counter-insurgency, a senior official told Reuters. The detonations sent huge plumes of smoke over the busy junction on Friday night, and the sound of gunfire still crackled across the capital on Saturday evening. Explosions were heard on Friday night as government forces tried to wrest control of the hotel back from the militants, witnesses said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Somalia: Hotel siege enters second day, at least 12 dead till now

A hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, was hit by explosions and gunfire on Friday as members of a Jihadist organisation targeted the establishment. At least 16 people were killed in the attack on a seaside hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, said a government spokesman.&nbsp;

The jihadist organisation, Al-Shabaab, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been conducting a violent insurgency against the fragile central government of Somalia for about 15 years.

A statement on a pro-Shabaab website&nbsp;claimed: "A group of Al-Shabaab attackers forcibly entered Hotel Hayat in Mogadishu, the fighters are carrying out random shooting inside the hotel."

Watch |&nbsp;World at War: Is Al-Shabaab the biggest threat on the African continent?

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Talking to AFP, Security official Abdukadir Hassan said that the attack on the Hayat Hotel led to a gunfight between security personnel and the Islamist militants hiding inside the building.

"A huge blast went off a few minutes before the gunmen forced their way into the hotel. There are casualties, and the security forces are now engaging with the enemy who are holed up inside the building," said Hassan soon after the attack.

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At least 16 people were killed in the attack by the Islamist group al Shabaab on a seaside hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, said government spokesman Ismail Mukhtar Omar.&nbsp; 
 
The toll includes 11 victims and five assailants, he said in a tweet. 
“Security forces lost one, 18 people were injured,” Omar added. 
 
The hotel is owned by former finance minister Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, a lawmaker, said a Reuters report. 
 
A Reuters report quoting Abdikadir Abdirahman, director and founder of Mogadishu's Aamin ambulance services said at least 43 people injured in the attack had been transported to hospitals.

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The original explosion was triggered by a suicide bomber who attacked the hotel with a number of other shooters, Somali police spokesperson Abdifatah Adan Hassan told reporters.

After the initial explosion, according to witnesses, there was a second bomb outside the hotel that injured rescue workers, security personnel, and bystanders who had rushed to the site. 
 
Al Shabaab wants to topple the government and establish its own rule based on its own strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.&nbsp;The group has been waging war through bombings and gun assaults both on military and civilian targets like hotels and busy intersections in Mogadishu and across Somalia. 
 
Al Shabaab has also conducted attacks in neighbouring Kenya and Uganda in revenge as the two countries had deployed their military in Somalia as part of regional peace keeping mission. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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A hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, was hit by explosions and gunfire on Friday as members of a Jihadist organisation targeted the establishment. At least 16 people were killed in the attack on a seaside hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, said a government spokesman.

A hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, was hit by explosions and gunfire on Friday as members of a Jihadist organisation targeted the establishment. At least 16 people were killed in the attack on a seaside hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, said a government spokesman. The jihadist organisation, Al-Shabaab, which has ties to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been conducting a violent insurgency against the fragile central government of Somalia for about 15 years. A statement on a pro-Shabaab website claimed: "A group of Al-Shabaab attackers forcibly entered Hotel Hayat in Mogadishu, the fighters are carrying out random shooting inside the hotel." Watch | World at War: Is Al-Shabaab the biggest threat on the African continent? Talking to AFP, Security official Abdukadir Hassan said that the attack on the Hayat Hotel led to a gunfight between security personnel and the Islamist militants hiding inside the building. "A huge blast went off a few minutes before the gunmen forced their way into the hotel. There are casualties, and the security forces are now engaging with the enemy who are holed up inside the building," said Hassan soon after the attack. Also read | After Ayman al-Zawahiri, this man is touted to helm Al-Qaeda At least 16 people were killed in the attack by the Islamist group al Shabaab on a seaside hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, said government spokesman Ismail Mukhtar Omar. The toll includes 11 victims and five assailants, he said in a tweet. “Security forces lost one, 18 people were injured,” Omar added. The hotel is owned by former finance minister Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, a lawmaker, said a Reuters report. A Reuters report quoting Abdikadir Abdirahman, director and founder of Mogadishu's Aamin ambulance services said at least 43 people injured in the attack had been transported to hospitals. Also read | In pics: Five things you need to know about strife-torn Somalia The original explosion was triggered by a suicide bomber who attacked the hotel with a number of other shooters, Somali police spokesperson Abdifatah Adan Hassan told reporters. After the initial explosion, according to witnesses, there was a second bomb outside the hotel that injured rescue workers, security personnel, and bystanders who had rushed to the site. Al Shabaab wants to topple the government and establish its own rule based on its own strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. The group has been waging war through bombings and gun assaults both on military and civilian targets like hotels and busy intersections in Mogadishu and across Somalia. Al Shabaab has also conducted attacks in neighbouring Kenya and Uganda in revenge as the two countries had deployed their military in Somalia as part of regional peace keeping mission. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

16 killed in attack on Mogadishu hotel; Jihadist group Al-Shabaab takes onus

At least 12 people have been killed in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, after the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group attacked a hotel. Security forces are still fighting the gunman inside the hotel.

Somalian Forces: First blast caused by suicide bomber, 12 civilians killed in the attack

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On Monday, a passenger plane crash-landed at an airfield in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. All of the more than 30 passengers on board were evacuated, and no fatalities were recorded. The plane was visible in video from the area upside down after what seemed to be a landing flip. Firefighters began hosing down the downed airliner as fire engines reached the runway and flames and black smoke surged into the air.

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🇸🇴Pompiers et secouristes se précipitent pour venir en aide à la trentaine de personnes à bord d'un avion qui s'est écrasé à l'atterrissage lundi à Mogadiscio, en Somalie. Aucune perte en vie humaine n'a été enregistrée. <a href="https://t.co/PVNUMpoCoQ">pic.twitter.com/PVNUMpoCoQ</a>
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It was an internal trip between the city of Baidoa and the capital, and the aircraft belonged to Jubba Airways. According to airport officials who were mentioned by state media, both the passengers and the crew were successfully rescued. It's unclear what caused the crash just yet. Jubba Airways issued a brief statement recognising the occurrence and promising to provide further details "as it becomes available."

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The Fokker 50 is a twin-engined passenger aircraft from the 1980s produced by the same-named Dutch firm. The firm ran into financial problems and stopped producing the aircraft in 1997. Jubba Airways operated two Fokker 50s, both of which were bought more than 30 years ago, according to the aviation website Planespotters.net. According to airport officials, everyone on board the aircraft, which was arriving on a domestic flight from the interior city of Baidoa, successfully disembarked. No early reports of injuries or explanations for the crash's cause were made.

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, a passenger plane crash-landed at an airfield in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. All of the more than 30 passengers on board were evacuated, and no fatalities were recorded.

On Monday, a passenger plane crash-landed at an airfield in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. All of the more than 30 passengers on board were evacuated, and no fatalities were recorded. The plane was visible in video from the area upside down after what seemed to be a landing flip. Firefighters began hosing down the downed airliner as fire engines reached the runway and flames and black smoke surged into the air. 🇸🇴Pompiers et secouristes se précipitent pour venir en aide à la trentaine de personnes à bord d'un avion qui s'est écrasé à l'atterrissage lundi à Mogadiscio, en Somalie. Aucune perte en vie humaine n'a été enregistrée. pic.twitter.com/PVNUMpoCoQ — VOA Afrique (@VOAAfrique) July 18, 2022 × It was an internal trip between the city of Baidoa and the capital, and the aircraft belonged to Jubba Airways. According to airport officials who were mentioned by state media, both the passengers and the crew were successfully rescued. It's unclear what caused the crash just yet. Jubba Airways issued a brief statement recognising the occurrence and promising to provide further details "as it becomes available." Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn The Fokker 50 is a twin-engined passenger aircraft from the 1980s produced by the same-named Dutch firm. The firm ran into financial problems and stopped producing the aircraft in 1997. Jubba Airways operated two Fokker 50s, both of which were bought more than 30 years ago, according to the aviation website Planespotters.net. According to airport officials, everyone on board the aircraft, which was arriving on a domestic flight from the interior city of Baidoa, successfully disembarked. No early reports of injuries or explanations for the crash's cause were made. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch| Somalia passenger plane crash-lands, turns upside down

Somalia is being devastated by a major drought and nearly a quarter of a million people are facing starvation. UN said 7.1 million Somalis are facing acute levels of food insecurity.

WION Climate Tracker: Drought devastates Somalia, millions in need of humanitarian aid

Somalia is facing one of its worst droughts in 40 years. This comes after monsoons fail to arrive for the fourth consecutive season. More than 6 million Somalis are in urgent need of aid.

Drought in Somalia worsens: 7.1 million Somalis face acute levels of food insecurity

Amid unreasonable weather conditions occurring around the world. African countries Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia were hit by an unprecedented drought which has left millions facing starvation.

20 million Africans to suffer from famine by September

Somalia is facing one of its worst droughts in 40 years. This comes after monsoons fail to arrive for the fourth consecutive season. More than 6 million Somalis are in urgent need of aid

Monsoons fail to arrive in Somalia for the 4th consecutive season

President Joe Biden has approved a plan to redeploy US troops to Somalia, reversing a decision by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The decision came a day after Somali lawmakers elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country's new President.

President Joe Biden set to redeploy US troops to Somalia

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