Hundreds In Somalia Killed By Suicide Bomber

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Somalia's Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke reports that hundreds have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a hotel north of Mogadishu.

Hardline Islamist insurgents killed Somalia's Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden in the attack, which may turn out to be the deadliest suicide bombing yet in the Horn of Africa nation.

A suicide car bomber targeted Aden and other officials at a hotel in the central town of Baladwayne.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Kenya, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke condemned the attack and says the number of those killed could reach the hundreds. Fighting between hardline Islamist rebels and government forces in Somalia has intensified in recent weeks killing, up until this attack, nearly 300 people.

"We dont have yet an estimated number but I think it might reach up to hundreds of people. The assassination of Mr. Hashi was clearly intended to try to disrupt the successful peace process aimed at restoring stability to Somalia after two decades of conflict. However these bloody murderers will not succeed."

"The government is undeterred by such acts of desperation and will continue its work towards restoring peace and defeating the enemies of Somalia and the region. It calls on all peace loving Somalis to join the condemnation of the assassination of Colonel Hashi and the many other innocent civilians and community leaders who were killed and injured in the attack and to continue to support peace efforts."

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