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Somali Islamists kill at least 10 people in attack on Mogadishu hotel Somali Islamists kill at least 13 people in attack on Mogadishu hotel
(35 minutes later)
At least 10 people are feared to have been killed following a blast at a hotel in Mogadishu. At least 13 people are feared to have been killed following a blast at a hotel in Mogadishu.
Reports said Islamist fighters in Somalia drove a vehicle packed with explosives into the gates the Jazeera Palace hotel close to the airport in the Somali capital.Reports said Islamist fighters in Somalia drove a vehicle packed with explosives into the gates the Jazeera Palace hotel close to the airport in the Somali capital.
The hotel is popular with foreign diplomats.The hotel is popular with foreign diplomats.
Reuters quoted a senior police officer as saying that at least four people were killed and an ambulance worker as saying that eight people had been wounded. Reuters quoted a first responder as saying that at least 13 people were killed and an ambulance worker as saying that eight people had been wounded.
The BBC reported that at least 10 people had been killed.
Sporadic gunfire was heard shortly after the blast.Sporadic gunfire was heard shortly after the blast.
Al-Shabab claimed reponsibility for the attack. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
"It is a response to attacks and helicopter bombing against al Shabaab by AMISOM and the Somali government," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, the group's military operations spokesman, told Reuters. "It is a response to attacks and helicopter bombing against al-Shabaab by AMISOM and the Somali government," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, the group's military operations spokesman, told Reuters.
AMISOM is the African Union's force in Somalia. It has been battling al-Shabab fighters alongside the Somali army.AMISOM is the African Union's force in Somalia. It has been battling al-Shabab fighters alongside the Somali army.
The attack comes as Barack Obama, the US president, is wrappning up his trip to neighbouring Kenya. The attack comes as Barack Obama, the US president, is wrapping up his trip to neighbouring Kenya.
In two other attacks, both carried out on Saturday, the group killed a legislator and his bodyguard, and an official from the prime minister's office.In two other attacks, both carried out on Saturday, the group killed a legislator and his bodyguard, and an official from the prime minister's office.
(Additional reporting by agencies)(Additional reporting by agencies)