Brit ‘killed in day-long hotel siege’ as jihadis ‘storm lobby in suicide vests’

A Brit is understood to have been killed in a terrorist attack following a siege in a hotel in Somalia.

The Villa Rose Hotel in Mogadishu is understood to have been stormed by militants wearing suicide vests with bomb blasts witnessed.

Local media has reported that Birmingham local Mohamed Sayid Hassan Elmi was killed in the conflict, which began on Sunday (November 27).

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Local security forces have reported that four people have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of the violence.

Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the group al-Shabab which broadcasted a message on Sunday saying its fighters had attacked the Villa Rose.

Fighting is believed to have continued into Monday, with gunfire continuing to be heard.

Local security forces have engaged with the attackers as they try to regain control of the situation, with the scene of the violence close to the highly guarded and monitored presidential palace.

The Villa Rose Hotel is understood to have been a tough target, claiming to be one of the most secure locations in the city and complete with airport-level security.

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Security forces are now attempting to oust a final stronghold held by the attackers, who have holed up in a single room in the building according to security official Mohamed Dahir.

He added: “The terrorist gunmen are trapped inside a room in the building and the security forces are about to end the siege very soon… so far we have confirmed the deaths of four people.

"Several other people were wounded including government officials."

Officials have secured all routes in and out of the hotel, with many people understood to have been rescued from it.

Government officials have been reported to have been inside the hotel, according to an eyewitness.

Ahmed Abdullahi, who works for the government himself, told theSun: “Huge blast, followed by a heavy exchange of gunfire".

"We were shaken. We are just indoors, listening to gunfire."

Al-Shebab is a key source of concern for the Somali government, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud having pledged “total war” against the group in August.

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