Wreckage of cars is seen outside the Jazeera Hotel, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Jan. 2, 2014.
Death Toll at 20 From al-Shabab Bombings
The death toll is up to 20 in Wednesday's bomb attacks in Somalia's capital, for which militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility.
The updated fatality figure comes from Somali security officials speaking to VOA's Somali Service on condition of anonymity.
Hospital sources told VOA that another 30 people wounded in the attacks are being treated at Mogadishu's Medina Hospital.
Al-Shabab Timeline
Al-Shabab Timeline
2006 - Launches insurgency to take control of Somalia and impose strict Islamic law 2008 - U.S. declares al-Shabab a foreign terrorist organization 2009 - Seizes control of parts of Mogadishu and the port city Kismayo 2010 - Expands control across central and southern Somalia, carries out deadly bombing in Kampala, Uganda 2011 - Blocks drought/famine aid from areas under its control 2011 - East African leaders declare al-Shabab a regional threat; Ethiopian, Kenyan troops enter Somalia to pursue the group, which is driven out of Mogadishu 2012 - Declares itself an al-Qaida ally, loses ground in Somalia, abandons strategic coastal stronghold Kismayo 2013 - Attacks Mogadishu court complex, killing more than 30 and attacks mall in Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least 69 people 2014 - Attack in Mogadishu kills more than 10 on New Year's Day
The attacks took place late Wednesday outside a Mogadishu hotel that is popular with government officials and foreigners. A car bomb exploded, triggering gunfire from Somali security forces. A second bomb exploded after emergency personnel arrived on the scene
Somali and African troops recaptured Mogadishu from al-Shabab in 2011, but the group continues to carry out periodic attacks in the capital.
The group claimed responsibility for a deadly bombing in September at a Mogadishu hotel that the group said was being used as a base for foreign and local intelligence.
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