Al-Shabab Claims Responsibility For Mogadishu Hotel Bombing

Al Qaeda-linked Somalia-based group

Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for setting off two bombs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 37 outside a hotel frequented by government officials and aid workers in Somalia's capital.

A suicide bomber drove into the gate of Jazeera hotel located near Mogadishu's international airport yesterday evening, leaving five people dead including the attacker, senior police officer Mohamed Sacid said by phone. Shortly after, a second blast occurred at the hotel parking area as emergency personnel worked at the scene, killing at least seven people including a senior police commander, Sacid said.