Ongoing Hostage Situation in Somalia Leaves 17 Dead

A hostage situation between Somali security forces and a group of jihadist extremists affiliated with al-Shabaab, has been going on since late last night at a restaurant in the country’s capital.

According to reports, the hostage situation began when a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle loaded with explosives just outside of the Pizza House restaurant in Mogadishu. Shortly afterwards, several armed men stormed the restaurant, holding up the staff and patrons inside.

Local Police Captain, Mohamed Hussein, told reporters that the hostage situation is ongoing, and that there has been constant gunfire between the security forces and the extremists inside the restaurant.

An ambulance driver from the city, Khalif Dahir, told reporters that Amin Ambulance has transported 17 bodies from the restaurant area and taken 26 wounded people to hospital.

However, police in Mogadishu have not given an official update on the number of fatalities or how many people have been wounded in the attacks. They have only said that the ‘situation is ongoing’ and that police are working hard to ensure the safety of those still holed up in the restaurant.

Al-Shabaab frequently launches attacks in the capital, often targeting restaurants, hotels and markets. The group recently vowed to increase attacks in the area, as retaliation for the government’s newly launched military offensive against the terrorist group.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for this most recent attack.