A popular hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, Africa, known as the SYL Hotel, was the target of a recent attack. The hotel, located in a secure area near significant government buildings such as the Presidential Palace, is frequented by lawmakers and government officials.
The attack started on the evening of Thursday, March 14, 2024, and continued for over 13 hours. Five al-Shabab attackers who had forced their way into the building were eventually killed, according to security and police officials.
The assault was initiated with a notable explosion, believed to be the work of a suicide bomber, at the entrance of the hotel. This was followed by armed men entering the building amid a hail of bullets.
The al-Shabab group, which has acknowledged ties with al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the hotel attack via a telegram announcement on Thursday. The incident is another example of their ongoing conflict with the Somali government.
Kasim Roble, a police representative, reported that the attack on the hotel resulted in the death of three military personnel and injured 27 others, 18 civilians and nine soldiers.
Roble confirmed that the situation had been stabilized, stating, “The hotel has been secured, and as normalcy in security is reinstated, parliament members and other occupants have begun to return.”
Following the conclusion of the siege, journalists were denied access to the hotel premises.
Recent times have seen a decrease in attacks within the coastal capital, which is credited to improved security measures. Al-Shabab has a history of launching deadly attacks on hotels and other venues in their fight against the Somali government for Islamic Shariah rule.
In October 2022, the most severe recent incident in Mogadishu occurred when dual car explosions at a busy junction resulted in the death of at least 120 civilians.
The Somali government is actively involved in a major campaign against the extremist group, which the United States has identified as one of al-Qaida’s most dangerous affiliates.
President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has openly pledged to wage an all-out offensive against these militants. They control considerable parts of central and southern Somalia and have been the target of multiple American drone strikes in recent years.
