Somalian hotel attack: 21 found dead

Following an attack by Islamic extremists on the Hayat hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, there have been at least 21 fatalities during an overnight siege.

Before the shooters entered the building on Friday night, there were explosions outside the hotel.

The nation's health minister, Ali Haji Adan, confirmed the death toll on Sunday and added that 117 people were hurt in the incident.

At least 15 of the injured, according to him, were in critical condition.

According to him, some victims might not have been taken to hospitals.

Abdi Hassan Mohammed Hijra, police commander, told reporters at a briefing held near to the scene of the attack that "106 persons, including children and women," were rescued by security forces during the siege that ended at midnight.

“I would like to inform all Somalis that the operation at the hotel was concluded at midnight,” Hijra said.

“During the attack, the security forces rescued many civilians trapped in the hotel, including women.

“It is shocking that innocent people lost their lives here… The security forces were engaged in rescuing people one by one and in groups.”

The Al-Shabaab extremist organization, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, has taken credit for the hotel attack.

The terrorists were reportedly contained by Somali forces after more than 30 hours.

Since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia's new president, assumed office in June, the hotel attack represents the city of Mogadishu's first significant terrorist incident.

The terrorists were reportedly contained by Somali forces after more than 30 hours.

Since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia's new president, assumed office in June, the hotel attack represents the city of Mogadishu's first significant terrorist incident.

The US embassy in Somalia expressed its "strong condemnation" of the hotel attack in a tweet.

“We extend condolences to the families of loved ones killed, wish a full recovery to the injured, & pledge continued support for #Somalia to hold murderers accountable & build when others destroy,” the tweet reads.

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