MOGADISHU (Cabays) —-At least more than 18 people were killed and many others were wounded after two suicide attacks rocked a hotel used by Somalia’s government officials on Friday, officials confirmed.
The attack started after a suicide car bomber detonated his explosives-laden car onto the gate of Central Hotel which is close to Somalia’s presidential palace, followed by a suicide bomber who walked into the hotel where Somalian politicians were staying.

Those killed are mainly workers for non governmental agencies and private companies but also include Somali MP Omar Ali Nur , the deputy Mogadishu mayor, Mohamed Adan Guled (Ano-Geel) and other politicians. Soldiers were also killed in the blasts during the attack.
Among those also died is Abdifatah Khalif Badiyow who returned from Toronto, Canada and not long ago appeared on Somali TV encouraging others to follow him and returned to the war ravaged city.

Reports also confirmed that most killed hail from Somaliland as the hotel owned by businessman originated from Somaliland and most guests were either politicians or businessman from Somaliland use the hotel as a meeting place. The newly appointed deputy prime minister, Mohamed Omar Arte, also reported that he is among the injured politicians but there are no official confirmation from the government. At least six other Somalilanders working for private and international relief organizations were taken to local hospitals for serious but not life threatening injuries.  There are reports that Dahabshiil workers from Hargeisa working in Moqadishu for short period in the city also sustained serious injuries.

Soldiers sealed off the scene of the attack as ambulances rushed the wounded to the local hospitals in the city which has seen attacks by the Al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia. Al-shabab has claimed the responsibility for the latest attack.

More and more Somalilanders are these days dare to move to Moqadishu for jobs they can not find in their home country and take the risk of being killed or kidnap for ransom. This is the deadliest attack involved by Somalilanders in Moqadishu since 1991.

Follow