At least 10 people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack by Al Shabaab militants on a hotel in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The attack, which occurred late Tuesday, saw gunmen storm the building, engaging in a prolonged firefight with security forces.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire and multiple explosions as security personnel attempted to regain control of the hotel, which government officials and business leaders frequent. The siege lasted for several hours before Somali forces neutralized the assailants.
Al Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted “officials and foreigners” inside the hotel. The group has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, frequently carrying out bombings and raids on high-profile locations.
Authorities have confirmed that among the deceased are civilians, security officers, and hotel staff. Several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Somali government has condemned the attack, vowing to intensify its military campaign against the terrorist group.
This incident comes amid an ongoing crackdown on Al Shabaab by Somali forces, backed by African Union troops and U.S. military support. Despite recent territorial losses, the militants continue to launch deadly assaults, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.
