MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Preliminary details are emerging of the casualties caused by tonight's explosion and direct attack on Lido beach, specifically the new Pescatore Hotel, located between Beach View and Oceian View Hotels. at Lido beach.
Emergency services Amin Ambulance confirmed to the media the deaths of six people and the injuries of seven others, and that gunmen were still fighting inside the hotel.
Many people, including Somali Police Force Commander General Hijar, lawmakers and politicians were rescued from the hotel.
Among those injured in the attack was the Somali Police Force Commander General Siyad, but no casualties could be confirmed, as the attack was still going on inside the hotel.
Footage posted on social media showed heavy casualties from the blast and indiscriminate shootings, and large crowds dispersed at the main square on Lido Beach.