An explosion in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu rocked the city Wednesday, creating a huge plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.
Early reports claim the explosion was the result of a car bomb attack near the city’s Ambassador Hotel by notorious terrorist group al-Shabaab.
Witnesses on the ground say the explosion was immediately followed by gunfire. Gunmen have stormed the hotel and are taking over the floors, reportedly shooting civilians on sight. The explosion resulting from the attack could be seen from as far as three miles away.
#BREAKING Powerful blast heard in Somalia ‘s Capital Mogadishu #Somaliapic.twitter.com/rGpB9eeki1
— Somalia Live Update (@HassanIstiila) June 1, 2016
WATCH:
Massive blast in #Mogadishu around kilometre 5. #Somaliapic.twitter.com/We9fWg2LIn
— Mau (@mau_gris) June 1, 2016
#VIDEO: moments after the Loud #explosion heard in #Somalia‘s capital #Mogadishu. pic.twitter.com/7hvZKOCvdk
— Or Ravid אוֹר רביד (@OrRavid) June 1, 2016
The attack is likely a retaliation from prominent Somalian terrorist group al-Shabaab. The al-Qaida-linked group was attacked by Kenyan forces last Wednesday, leaving around 21 terrorists dead. The Kenyan military is assisting the Somalian government in securing the broken country via the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Al-Shabaab took one of its heaviest losses ever in early March when a U.S. air strike annihilated one the group’s camps, killing 150.
Wednesday’s attack is the first the al-Shabaab has conducted in the Somalian capital since February. The terrorist group has perpetrated at least 12 attacks on the city since 2015.
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