Somali militia says its fighters attacked hotel in Mogadishu; loud explosion is heard

2024-03-14 22:18:02

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The Somali militant group Al-Shabab said its fighters attacked a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, where gunshots and a loud explosion were heard Thursday night.

Al-Shabab indicated on its Telegram channel that its militants managed to penetrate the SYL Hotel, a short distance from the presidential palace, in a part of Mogadishu that is usually safe. The hotel is frequented by government officials.

So far there were no reports of deaths.

Attacks in the seaside capital have decreased in recent weeks amid increased security. Al-Shabab, which opposes Somalia’s federal government, is responsible for many of the attacks on hotels and other locations over the years.

The most recent major attack in Mogadishu occurred in October 2022, when at least 120 civilians were killed in two car bomb attacks at a busy intersection.

Somalia’s government has engaged in a new high-profile offensive once morest the militant group, which the United States considers one of al Qaeda’s deadliest organizations. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared a “total war” once morest the militants, who control large parts of central and southern Somalia and have been the target of numerous US airstrikes in recent years.

1710454964
#Somali #militia #fighters #attacked #hotel #Mogadishu #loud #explosion #heard