(ANSA) - ROME, AUGUST 20 - The blitz by the Somali security forces to free the Hayat Hotel, attacked in the evening by Islamic terrorists Al Shabaab, connected to AlQaida, has not yet finished and which has so far caused the death of at least 8 civilians.
Shooting and sporadic explosions can still be heard, while soldiers besiege the terrorists barricaded in the popular hotel, frequented by Somalis and foreigners.
"The security forces are still neutralizing the terrorists who have barricaded themselves in a hotel room.
Most of the people have been rescued, but so far the deaths of at least eight civilians have been confirmed," said Commander Mohamed Abdikadir.
"There are dozens of people who have been rescued by the security forces who were trapped inside",
he added.
(HANDLE).
