Somalia: Explosions, kidnappings in Mogadishu

6 Feb 6, 2007, 20:13

MOGADISHU, Somalia Feb 6 (Garowe Online) - Unknown gunmen attacked Mogadishu’s Ambassador Hotel Tuesday night with rocket-propelled grenades, underscoring the fragile security in the Somali capital.

The attack on Ambassador Hotel was preceded earlier in the day by another daring attack near Villa Somalia, the heavily-guarded presidential compound, when fighters launched mortars and fled the scene before authorities arrived.

No one was reported hurt during both attacks but the hotel was damaged, according to witnesses.

Attacks have increased in Mogadishu since Ethiopia-backed Somali government forces rolled into town over the New Year.

Mogadishu saw the semblance of law and order during the six-month rule of the Islamic Courts movement, who were dislodged from power by the government.

In another sign of rising insecurity, an employee of a telecommunications company was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, according to a company official.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity with Garowe Online, said Abdirashid Einanshe was kidnapped as he was driving in Hamar Jadiid area and taken to an unknown location.

Abdirashid was a marketing specialist for Hormuud telecommunications company’s Mogadishu operations, the official said.

Government spokespeople have repeatedly blamed ousted Islamist fighters for the spate of gunfights and explosions in recent weeks, but Mogadishu residents expressed growing concern over local militia infighting and turf wars.


Garowe Online News