WHO employee among those killed in Al-Shabaab's hotel attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The World Health Organization [WHO] has announced the tragic death of one of the employees, following Friday's deadly Al-Shabaab attack at Pearl Hotel on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, in what would trigger vigilance from various security agencies in the country.

The siege, which lasted for over 7 hours before the militants were neutralized, left at least nine people including six civilians dead, the government of Somalia had announced. Three soldiers who gallantly battled the militants died after being caught by the enemy's bullets.

"I'm heartbroken that we have lost a WHO staff member in the recent attack in Mogadishu, Somalia," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, tweeted on Sunday.

"My heartfelt condolences to their families and to everyone who lost a loved one," he said. "We condemn all attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers."

The World Health Organization is a key stakeholder in Somalia, a country struggling with several predicaments, key among them malnutrition and outbreaks of several diseases, especially those which affect children. Together with Doctors Without Borders, WHO has been treating thousands of people.

In most cases, Al-Shabaab militants target security forces, senior government officials and innocent civilians, and at times, foreigners within the country. Although the militants did not immediately reveal their target, they usually go for big shots in government.

The latest assault, for which Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, began just before 8:00 pm on Friday [1700 GMT] when seven attackers stormed the Pearl Beach hotel, a popular spot at Lido Beach along Mogadishu's coastline.

Five militants who were involved in Pearl Hotel were killed after several hours of gun battle between the militants and members of the Somali National Army with police also involved.

The attack came a few days after the militants ran over Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] in Bulo Marer FOB, killing over 54 soldiers.

GAROWE ONLINE