Somalia: At least 12 killed as Somali forces end siege in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Security forces on Wednesday have ended a deadly siege by Al shabaab at a hotel in the capital that left at least 12 people dead, including members of Parliament, Garowe Online reports.

The attack started when a truck laden with explosives was detonated at the gate of Dayah Hotel on Wednesday morning at around 9:00 local time, and three militants stormed the building.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia's outgoing security minister Abdirazak Omar Mohamed said Police ended the deadly siege after killing last 4 remaining militants in the hotel.

He said three Somali security force members - a Policeman and two National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) soldiers were among 10 people killed in today's twin car bombing at Dayah hotel in Mogadishu.

"Security forces have shot and killed all attackers before reaching inside, and evacuated all hotel guests, including members of the Parliament and civilians trapped during the siege," he added.

Duniya Mohamed Ali, the head nurse at Medina hospital said 51 people, including journalists and photographers who were wounded in the hotel attack, some with critical injuries were transferred to the hospital for treatment.

The Al Qaida-affiliated Al shabaab has claimed responsibility for the vile attack, according to Sheikh Abdulaziz Abu Musab, the military operations spokesman for terror group, speaking to Radio Andalus.

The death toll is likely to rise due to the high number of seriously injured people.

GAROWEONLINE