The Villa-Rosa hotel, located between the National Theater and the Jiliow cave in the presidential palace, is under direct attack by a group of Al-Shabab terrorists.
The attack started with large explosions, and the hotel and its surroundings are occupied by many ministers, parliamentarians and government officials.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Reports by some local media say that Somalia’s interior minister was injured Mohamed Ahmed Doodishe, police spokesman said, but it cannot be officially confirmed yet.
Al-Shabab, which claimed responsibility for the attack, said that the minister of security was injured, adding that fighters riding on top of the hotel are attacking the presidential palace.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Police spokesman said in a statement, ”This evening, Al-Shabab terrorist group attacked a commercial hotel in Bondhere district. The security forces are working together to end the Al-Shabab attack. People including citizens and officials were rescued from the scene. We will share the details with you later.”
Sporadic gunfire can be heard in the area where the targeted Villa-Rosa Hotel is located.
More to follow.