LOOK. Images show how several hotel guests flee in panic
The Islamists attacked “a hotel in Lido Beach” where authorities frequent, the government said. “The security forces were able to rescue many people and the operation is still ongoing.”
A witness said he was close to the Pearl Beach restaurant when a massive explosion took place in front of the building. “I was able to flee, but then there was heavy gunfire and the security forces rushed to the zone,” Abdirahim Ali said.
The attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al Qaeda and has been trying to overthrow the Somali government for 15 years.
