Casualties from the attack that began at the Elite Hotel
At least 17 people have been confirmed dead in an attack that began at an Elite hotel on Mogadishu’s Lido beach.
At least 30 people were also injured, and there is still an exchange of gunfire inside the hotel between the attackers and Somali government forces.
Government forces are trying to rescue people inside the hotel.
Health officials say they have so far evacuated 27 injured people.
Among those killed in the attack were Abdirizak Abdullahi Abdi, director of regional relations at the Somali government’s Ministry of Information, and Dahir Ali, a FGS staffer.
Also injured were Galmudug Minister of Public Works Ahmed Washiton, Somali National Television cameraman Mohamed Araye Furnace and Heegan Band singer Faiza Beela.
The Lido beach area is a popular destination for civilians and government employee
