Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Explosions Rock Hotel in Somali Coastal City

Mohamed Olad Hassan

   Militants stormed a hotel Friday evening in the coastal Somali city of
   Kismayo, sparkinggunbattlesand fears of heavy casualties.
   The attack began when an explosives-laden car detonated at the front
   entrance of theAsaseyhotel, a popular meeting spot for regional
   officials and visitors from the diaspora. Militants then stormed inside
   and opened fire.
   Witnesses told VOA's Somali service that regional security forces were
   trading fire with the militants. The witnesses reported hearing several
   explosions, presumably from hand grenades.
   Jihadist group al-Shabab immediately claimed the responsibility for the
   attack through al-AndaluRadio, the group's FM station.
   Reuters quoted an al-Shabab spokesman,AbdiasisAbu Musab, as saying, "It
   was a suicide attack," and that the fighting was continuing.
   A VOA reporter in the town said the number of casualties was unclear.
   At least one member of Somalia's federal parliament was thought to have
   been in the hotel at the time of the attack.
   Al-Shabab frequently carries out bombings in Mogadishu and other parts
   of Somalia against government, military and civilian targets.
   The attack in Kismayo, about 485 kilometers south of Mogadishu, came
   amid preparation for regional elections. The port town once served as a
   major stronghold for al-Shabab militants.

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