Al-Shabaab Islamic militant group attacked Hayat Hotel on August 19 in Somali Capital, Mogadishu.
They started by setting two explosives outside the hotel and then opened fire. The hotel is reported to be a popular destination for meetings of federal government employees.
The head of Somali intelligence services was at the hotel before the attack took place. A total of nine persons were injured and transported from the hotel for treatment.
WATCH: Al Shabab group claims the responsibility for a bomb-and-gun attack on Hayat hotel near km4 junction in Mogadishu. The group says the hotel is under siege and continues an operation. #HotelHayat #Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/0gYgYQQTI4
— BNN Newsroom (@BNNBreaking) August 19, 2022
Photos shared on social media show smoke coming out of the hotel and loud noises can be heard as the attack happened.
Al-Shabaab is an affiliate of Al-Qaeda terrorist group which has sustained a long-term conflict with the federal government in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab controls most of central and southern Somalia. It is now aiming to bring Mogadishu under their control.
This is the first attack in Mogadishu since the current president, Hassan Sheik Mohamud, was elected.
Somali security forces surrounded the hotel and were trying to rescue the hostages. The terrorist group “are shooting everyone”.
“Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat,” a police officer told the Reuters news agency in a statement.
Read More:
-
Somalia Marine Forces Seen Patrolling The Coastal Waters After The ICJ Ruling
-
International Court Of Justice Has Made Judgement On Maritime Boundary Between Kenya And Somalia
-
Somalia Jails 4 Health Officials For Misappropriation Of Covid-19 Funds
“One hit a barrier near the hotel, and then the other hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel.” the officer added
Watch the video below…
BREAKING: Al Shabab group claims the responsibility for a bomb-and-gun attack on Hayat hotel in Mogadishu. Many people are trapped. A sporadic gunfire could be heard as the security forces have started an operation to end the hotel siege. pic.twitter.com/OybX8wKItd
— Shabelle Media Network (@ShabelleMedia) August 19, 2022
GOT a story? RING Kerosi Dotcom on +254 784 10 46 63 or EMAIL info@kerosi.com
