At least 12 people were killed Friday night, according to intelligence sources, in an attack by Islamists on a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Most of the victims were civilians, said an intelligence official, who declined to give his full name.
According to him, the operation was not yet completed on Saturday morning. The radical Islamist militia Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack and the extremists have been trying to overthrow the government for years. The attackers stormed the hotel on Friday evening. According to eyewitnesses, large parts of the building were destroyed in ensuing clashes with government forces. Explosions could be heard again and again at night.
Police officer Mohamed Dahir said more than 60 guests were rescued from the Hayat hotel that was besieged by terrorists late Friday night. However, it is still believed that there are still numerous guests in the building.
Violent gunfights with security forces
According to police, the extremists initially caused four explosions and then stormed the hotel, which is popular with government employees, journalists and businessmen. There were violent gun battles with security forces outside the hotel. Thick clouds of smoke rose from the hotel building.
Al-Shabaab said it had killed at least 20 people. It is the first large-scale act of terrorism since Somalia’s newly elected president, Hassan Sheik Mohamud, took office in May.
Terrorist group carries out attacks again and again
The country on the Horn of Africa with about 16 million inhabitants has been frightened for years by attacks by the terrorist group. Al-Shabaab controls large parts of the southern and central regions. The terrorist group carries out repeated attacks on security forces, politicians and civilians.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
