18 killed in al-Shabaab attack on Somali Parliament

More than 18 people were killed on Saturday in an attack by militant group al-Shabaab on the Somali Parliament, security officials said.

The fatalities included eight al-Shabaab fighters and members of the Somali security forces. Many more people were injured, including three Somali lawmakers.

The attack began with a suicide car bombing outside Parliament.

Insurgents dressed in Somali military uniform then shot at guards to enter the building. A second explosion was also heard.

The attack occurred while lawmakers were meeting.

“A huge explosion shook the building and I thought it had been demolished. Then fierce fighting erupted between security forces and the attackers,” lawmaker Dahir Amiin Jeesow said.

The legislators were evacuated through another gate by Somali security forces and African Union peacekeepers.

Officials said security forces cleared the militants from the hall.

Some blew themselves up.

Militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter. The government made no immediate comment.