Somali Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden Killed: Suicide Bombing

by Jordan Yerman | June 18, 2009 at 09:16 am

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At least ten people were killed in a suicide bombing in Beledweyne, Somalia earlier today, including Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden.

A car filled with explosives pulled up in front of the Medina Hotel where Aden was staying, and the explosives were detonated as Aden and his entourage were leaving.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. Somalia remains a defacto lawless state, with several militant groups trying to topple the fragile, UN-backed government.

Hotel worker Ahmed Abdi said up to 13 people could have died in the attack, staged at the hotel where Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden was staying with his entourage.

"His body is lying at the reception," he said.