3 Kenyans, 2 Americans Killed in Kismayu Hotel Terror Attack as Death Toll Hits 26

Three Kenyans are among more than 20 people who were killed during a terror attack at a hotel in Kismayu, Somalia.

Also confirmed dead are two British nationals, two Americans and three Tanzanians as death toll hit 26, VOA reported.

In a statement, Jubbaland region’s president said a presidential candidate for upcoming regional elections was also killed in the all-night attack staged by four gunmen.

“Among the dead was also a Jubbaland presidential candidate named Shuuriye. Four militants attacked the hotel,” President Ahmed Mohamed said.

Two journalists and a United Nations staff member were also reported to have been killed.

Speaking to Reuters, Police officer Major Mohamed Abdi said security forces had ended the 14-hour attack.

Islamic terrorist organization, Al-Shabaab Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Four militants stormed Asasey Hotel on Friday night after targeting it with a car bomb while local elders were meeting to discuss the upcoming elections.

“One of them was the suicide car bomber, two were shot dead and one was captured alive by Jubbaland security forces,” President Mohamed said.

"Twenty-six people were killed in the attack and fifty-six others wounded, among those killed are […] three Kenyans, one Canadian, one British, two Americans, and three Tanzanians. There are also two wounded Chinese citizens," he added.
Earlier, police said all the attackers had been killed during the siege that left more than 50 people injured.

Al-Shabaab is trying to topple Somalia’s central government.