Somalia: Nine dead as assault on beachfront restaurant in Mogadishu underway

MOGADISHU – Somalia’s security forces continued to fight armed Al-Shabab who stormed a restaurant near Mogadishu's beach and took a number of people hostage in a complex assault which killed at least nine people, officials said.

According to witnesses, the attackers armed with suicide vests and guns fired indiscriminately at guests at Liido Seafood restaurant before forcing their way into the building.

“Troops are eliminating terrorists to secure the building.” said Ali Haji, a police officer Thursday night.

Dozens of people were trapped inside the building as security forces continued a counterattack and ‘freed’ several guests.

Witnesses told Garowe Online that the attackers have also burst into a wedding ceremony at the restaurant and took ‘dozens ‘of people including women hostage. 

Somali prime minster Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has condemned the attack as ‘barbaric’.

The Al-Qaeda linked Al shabab group has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

GAROWEONLINE