Several killed as militants attack Somali hotel

Gunmen attacked a hotel in a town in central Somalia on Tuesday where local elders and government officials were meeting and laid siege to the hotel, witnesses and relatives said.

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Gunmen rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the building's entrance in the Hiraan region city of Beledweyne.

Several armed men then entered and “started shooting people inside,” security official Ahmed Osman said from the city.

“We don't have more details about the casual- ties, but we have confirmed at least four people killed,” he said.

Traditional elders and military officials were meeting at the hotel to discuss efforts to sup- port the Somali government's fight against the militant group.

Police officer Ali Mahad said many of those in attendance had been rescued.