MOGADISHU, Somalia
At least five civilians have been killed and several others have been injured in simultaneous gun-and-bomb attacks on two hotels in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, security sources said Friday.
The attacks were allegedly carried out by Al-Shabaab fighters, who detonated a bomb-laden car around the hotels ahead of their armed attack.
The hotels are located on a road that connects the International Mogadishu Airport with the country's presidential palace. An unidentified parliamentarian was reportedly among the injured, the sources said.
The clashes between government forces and the militants are said to be ongoing at the scene.
The Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to a website said to be linked to the group.
On June 24, seven people were killed and 10 others injured in a suicide attack that targeted a United Arab Emirates convoy in Mogadishu.
