Three individuals lost their lives in a prolonged siege carried out by Al-Shabaab militants at a renowned hotel near Mogadishu’s presidential palace, as disclosed by the police on Friday.
Somali police spokesman Colonel Qasim Ahmed Roble informed reporters that security forces managed to eliminate five attackers in a fierce gunfight.
The assault on the SYL hotel occurred late Thursday, rupturing a period of relative calm in Mogadishu.
Despite concerted military efforts against the insurgents, the incident underscored Al-Shabaab’s enduring capacity to launch attacks.
“Three people died in the attack and 27 others including 18 civilians and nine soldiers were wounded,” stated Roble during a press briefing.
He further noted the normalization of the situation at the hotel following the ordeal.
According to security officer Ahmed Dahir, armed assailants breached the hotel’s premises by detonating a heavy explosion that destroyed the perimeter wall.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos, describing indiscriminate gunfire within the vicinity.
“The United States has a shared interest with Somalia to advance peace and prosperity, and we remain committed to supporting Somali efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab,” declared the US embassy in Mogadishu in condemnation of the assault.
The SYL hotel, previously targeted by Al-Shabaab in 2019, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Villa Somalia government complex, housing key governmental institutions.
Omar Mahmood, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, highlighted the attack’s implications, indicating Al-Shabaab’s resilience and capacity to disrupt stability, particularly during Ramadan.
While the federal government, backed by AU and US forces, has made strides in reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab, setbacks persist, as evidenced by recent claims of territorial gains by the insurgents.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, following a meeting with defense officials aimed at devising strategies to recapture lost territories.
Recent years have seen a spate of deadly assaults by Al-Shabaab, including sieges, bombings, and hostage situations, prompting international condemnation and concerted efforts to curtail the group’s activities.
Thursday’s attack coincided with US sanctions against entities accused of financing Al-Shabaab, underscoring ongoing efforts to disrupt the group’s financial networks and support structures.
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