Somali security forces say they have ended a deadly siege of a beach-front restaurant in the capital, with at least seven people killed in the attack along with two assailants, a police official said Friday.
Mogadishu's police chief, Colonel Bishar, said the attack ended just before dawn Friday morning. “The security forces have ended their operation in which they rescued most of the civilians who were stranded inside the restaurant building and now we are in full control of the restaurant,” said Bishar, speaking from the scene of the attack in Mogadishu.
The attack started Thursday night when a car bomb went off near Banadir Beach restaurant, followed by a gun battle.
Al-Shabab militants quickly claimed the responsibility for the attack.
Colonel Bishar said seven people were killed during the attack, including five civilians and two security personnel. He said two assailants were also killed. Security forces say they have arrested another militant involved in the attack.