Death Toll Rises In Somalia Bomb Blast

The death toll in the most recent suicide bomb blast in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu has risen significantly, officials have said. 

The bomb was a suicide car bomb that went off right in front of the SYL hotel in Mogadishu. 

The hotel is situated very close to main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex which is home to the presidential palace, as well as other ministry buildings and various residences. 

Witnesses said that a car came speeding towards the hotel when it suddenly exploded.

Bishar Abshir Gedi, Mogadishu police chief, said that there were 15 people dead after the blast and about 45 others wounded. 

“…[sic] The number of the people who died in the blast reached 15 and 45 others were wounded, most of them lightly,” he said. 

He continued saying that civilians as well as security forces were among those that were killed in the attack.

The al-Shabaab jihadist group, who is affiliated with Al Qaeda, said that they were responsible for the attack.