ADVERTISEMENT

At least 5 journalists killed in Mogadishu hotel attack – UN

Five journalists have been killed in a suicide bombing attack at a hotel in Mogadishu.

African Union truck with soldiers

The attack also reportedly killed dozens of Somali civilians and soldiers, while wounding many more, according to Mr Joseph Contreras, Spokesperson for the Mission.

“The latest figures that we have been seeing range from between 15 and 20 dead, some of whom were the attackers themselves, some of them Somali soldiers.

“Perhaps about half of the dead were civilians and among the dozens of injured were at least five journalists," Contreras said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Dayah Hotel, which is located near the Presidential palace, and is frequented by lawmakers during their visits to Mogadishu.”

According to him, however, he was not aware if any lawmakers were visiting the hotel.

Contreras said the attack provides fresh evidence of the violent extremists’ desperate attempts to derail Somalia’s electoral process.

“The attack also reflects the terrorists’ frustration over their inability to sabotage recent voting for seats in the two Houses of Somalia’s new Parliament.”

Meanwhile, the interim Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, Dr Michel Yao, has expressed concern over increasing tensions in the Ouaka Préfecture, which raised fear of violence between rival armed groups in Bambari.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yao stressed that an open conflict in the city would be devastating for the civilian population.

The UN aid envoy called on armed groups not to lose sight of the impact violent clashes would have on the already delicate situation of civilians.

He further urged them to preserve the gains made over the last two years on reconciliation and social cohesion as well as on the improvement of the humanitarian situation.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

INEC to publish credentials of 17 Edo governorship candidates on Saturday

INEC to publish credentials of 17 Edo governorship candidates on Saturday

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT