For the first time since the new president took office in Somalia, the terrorist group Al-Shabaab carried out an attack. In the capital, Mogadishu, militants attack a hotel popular with the elite, killing several people.
According to their own statements, fighters from the Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabaab stormed a popular hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu in the evening. At least six people were killed in the attack, a police officer said. The number of victims is likely higher. At least two security officers were injured.
More than 60 guests were rescued from the Hayat hotel besieged by terrorists late Friday night, another police official said. However, it is still assumed that there are still numerous guests in the building. According to the police, the extremists initially triggered four explosions and then stormed the hotel, which is popular with government employees, journalists and business people.
Outside the hotel, there were violent exchanges of fire with security forces. Thick clouds of smoke rose from the hotel building. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the crime and claimed to have killed at least 20 people. It is the first large-scale act of terrorism since Somalia’s newly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May.
The country on the Horn of Africa with around 16 million inhabitants has been rocked by attacks by the terrorist group for years. Al-Shabaab controls large parts of the south and central regions. The terrorist group repeatedly carries out attacks on security forces, politicians and civilians.
