Attackers defeated in Hotel Sahafi siege, Somalia’s Security minister says

Security forces in Mogadishu prevailed on Sunday against Al-Shabab fighters in five hours struggle that devastated a popular Hotel, shook city.

Speaking to Goobjoog News Security Minister, Abdirisak Omar Mohamed said five militants had been killed in an operation that culminated with massive explosions that brought down parts of the hotel.

Five terrorists were killed in the fighting, the minister said. Security forces have finished the operation and now the place is secure.

The victory came at a cost: at least 20 civilian deaths and some 30 people remain hospitalized with injuries including some seriously wounded.

Most of the known dead people authorities said. Former SNA chief commander, Abdirisack Yussuf Badan, MP Abdi Mohamed Abtidoon and the chairman of Mogadishu chamber of commerce and the owner of the hotel, Abdirashid Shire Ilqeyte.

The Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. 5 to 10 armed fighters are believed to have stormed the hotel.

The attack, which targeted the hotel with full of politicians as well as former government officials, could prove a major setback for Somalia, which has been wrestling with the security of the city more than fours.