Ten MP among 18 killed in Mogadishu suicide hotel raid

We know that 10 of the 18 so far confirmed dead are members of parliament after the anti-peace elements attacked Muna Hotel where many government officials reside," Mohumed Elmi, a senior Police officer told Xinhua.

Elmi said that the security forces were still perusing the remaining fighters after one of the exploded a suicide belt inside the hotel.

Other reports put the figure of dead MP higher.

The Muna Hotel is located in the government controlled Hamarweyne district and reports say that the fighters were clad in the uniform of the Somali government forces when they managed to enter.

The Somali government security forces are reportedly surrounding the area and heavy exchange of gunfire and explosions heard around the Hotel used by Somali government lawmakers and other officials.

The attacks came as heavy fighting declared on Monday by Islamist fighters from Al Shabaab enters its second day with clashes leaving almost 50 people dead and more than 150 others wounded.

There has lately been war of words between the two opposing sides about much anticipated offensive each said would launch to get rid of the other during the on-going holy month of Ramadan. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.