The security forces of the Somali government are battling Al-Shabaab gunmen who holed up in the offices of the Mogadishu mayor after a major attack on Sunday.
At least eight people are reported to have sustained wounds in the ongoing attack which started with three explosions at the entrance of the compound which lies in a green zone.
“The midday attack began with a suicide bombing before gunmen entered the mayor’s main office during the midday busy hours,” said a witness, speaking to Xogsheeg.com.
Xogsheeg.com’s reporters on the ground reported heavy gunfire was still ongoing in the area and it was difficult for ambulances to access the facility.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack via a Telegram message, saying its fighters took over the building and the employees held as hostages.
It’s the second Al-Shabaab attack on the Benadir region’s headquarters in Mogadishu since 2019, when a suicide bombing by a woman killed dozens, including mayor Eng Yarisow.
