BREAKING: Explosion hits Beach View Hotel, possible hostage situation

Initial reports indicate Beach View Hotel in Liddo Beach Mogadishu has been hit by explosions and a possibility of hostage situation emerging as the second explosion went off minutes past 8pm local time.

Sources near the scene have told Goobjoog News that armed gun men attacked from the ocean on a boat firing at people sitting on the beach front while the other side of the road was rigged with explosives.

“When the gunmen started firing from the ocean side after disembarking from the boat, many people ran to the hotel to exit on the side of the road but then they were met with a huge explosion. We cannot tell of any casualties now,” said the source.

The Hotel is popular among beach goers hosting evening live bands.

UN Special envoy to Somalia Michael Keating has condemned the attacks noting that Liddo beach was a symbol of life in Mogadishu.

“I strongly condemn tonight’s attack. #Lido beach is symbol of #Somalia life. My thoughts are with the people at this beach of #Mogadishu.” said Keating in a twitter post.