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Somalia: Tributes to minister killed in al-Shabab hotel attack Somalia: Tributes to minister killed in al-Shabab hotel attack
(about 4 hours later)
Tributes have been paid to a Somali minister who was among those killed in an attack by the Islamist group al-Shabab on a popular hotel in Mogadishu.Tributes have been paid to a Somali minister who was among those killed in an attack by the Islamist group al-Shabab on a popular hotel in Mogadishu.
Militants detonated a car bomb outside the Naso-Hablod hotel, before storming it and taking hostages on Saturday.Militants detonated a car bomb outside the Naso-Hablod hotel, before storming it and taking hostages on Saturday.
The UN envoy in Somalia described Environment Minister Buri Mohamed Hamza as "passionate advocate". He was among at least 15 people killed at the hotel.The UN envoy in Somalia described Environment Minister Buri Mohamed Hamza as "passionate advocate". He was among at least 15 people killed at the hotel.
Al-Shabab launches frequent attacks in a bid to oust the UN-backed government.Al-Shabab launches frequent attacks in a bid to oust the UN-backed government.
It is not clear how the minister died.
But witnesses said the militants shot randomly at guests in the hotel, often used by politicians and tourists.But witnesses said the militants shot randomly at guests in the hotel, often used by politicians and tourists.
A gun battle then erupted between Somali forces and the attackers.A gun battle then erupted between Somali forces and the attackers.
Michael Keating, the UN special representative in Somalia, condemned the "atrocious attack".Michael Keating, the UN special representative in Somalia, condemned the "atrocious attack".
"The death of minister Hamza is very saddening. He was a passionate advocate for Somalia's natural environment and was fighting against its degradation," he said."The death of minister Hamza is very saddening. He was a passionate advocate for Somalia's natural environment and was fighting against its degradation," he said.
Tributes were also paid by Somalia's foreign ministry.Tributes were also paid by Somalia's foreign ministry.
Among the dead were also some of the attackers, security guards and civilians, including women who were working outside the hotel, officials said.Among the dead were also some of the attackers, security guards and civilians, including women who were working outside the hotel, officials said.
Police said at least four men were involved in the assault.Police said at least four men were involved in the assault.
Al-Shabab said it targeted the hotel "frequented by the apostate government members", Reuters news agency reported.Al-Shabab said it targeted the hotel "frequented by the apostate government members", Reuters news agency reported.
Earlier this month at least 10 people were killed and 50 injured in an attack on another hotel in the Somali capital, which was claimed by al-Shabab.Earlier this month at least 10 people were killed and 50 injured in an attack on another hotel in the Somali capital, which was claimed by al-Shabab.
The al-Qaeda-linked group was driven from Mogadishu in 2011 but still remains a threat and frequently carries out attacks in the city.The al-Qaeda-linked group was driven from Mogadishu in 2011 but still remains a threat and frequently carries out attacks in the city.
The government, with the help of African Union forces, is fighting al-Shabab militants in several parts of the country.The government, with the help of African Union forces, is fighting al-Shabab militants in several parts of the country.