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1st LD: At least 20 people killed in Mogadishu explosions: police

Xinhua, February 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least 20 people were killed including a minister and several others injured in double explosions that hit Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Friday, according to police and witnesses.

Police and witnesses said huge explosions followed by gunfire were heard at the Central Hotel in Hamarweyene district, usually frequented by politicians and foreigners.

"Among those killed are minister for seaports, deputy mayor of Mogadishu and a parliament member," said a police officer who declined to be named.

He said minister for aviation and a lawmaker were among those wounded during the explosions.

Senior Somali government officials were meeting in hotel including the deputy prime minister at the time of the attack.

Al-Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Endi