MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somalia is investigating military officials for an Al-Shabaab attack on a hotel near Villa Somalia, Somali Prime Minister Hamze Abdi Barre.
In late November, heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters stormed Villa Rosa hotel.
The Villa Rose is frequented by members of parliament and is located in a secure central part of the capital just a few blocks from the office of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Somali forces ended the hours-long siege where eight civilians were killed and 40 others were wounded in the attack.
PM Barre on Friday night said that soldiers of the Somali government were arrested and are currently being investigated for their involvement in the Villa Rose hotel attack.
“All the forces that were on duty are under arrest and an investigation is underway. We reiterated that a thorough investigation should be carried out. There is no doubt that the government security forces are working but there was laxity,” said Prime Minister.
The responsibility for the Villa Rose attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab which has been fighting the Somali government for more than 15 years.
The group still carries out deadly bombings and attacks in major towns and military bases in many parts of the country.
On Friday, the group stormed a military base in Hillowle village near Runirgod town, prompting clashes with Somali forces.
According to sources, dozens of combatants from both sides were killed in the fighting.
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