One of the witnesses, Ali Ibrahim, said five people were killed/XINHUA-File
MOGADISHU, Jan 1 – A car bomb struck a hotel near a UN compound in Mogadishu Wednesday and a second blast went off as emergency services rushed in, killing several, police and witnesses said.
“A booby-trapped car exploded against hotel Jazeera,” said police officer Muhidin Ahmed, adding that the blast had caused an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.
“It appears to be a suicide attack,” he added.
Another loud explosion followed as ambulances began arriving on the scene of the attack, an AFP journalist said.
Eyewitnesses also reported an intense exchange of gunfire between assailants and security officers.
One of the witnesses, Ali Ibrahim, said five people were killed.
About The Author
Agence France-Presse is a global news agency delivering fast, in-depth coverage of the events shaping our world from wars and conflicts to politics, sports, entertainment and the latest breakthroughs in health, science and technology.