An assault on the SYL Hotel, a prominent establishment in Mogadishu, Somalia, Africa, was effectively brought to a halt. The hotel, situated near critical government structures including the Presidential Palace, is a frequent spot visited by lawmakers and government officials.
The attack started on Thursday evening, March 14, 2024, and took at least 13 hours to suppress. The siege resulted in the deaths of five al-Shabab attackers who had forced their way into the building, as confirmed by police and security officials.
The initial phase of the assault was marked by a significant explosion, believed to be a suicide bomber, at the hotel’s entrance. This was followed by armed individuals storming the hotel amid a hail of bullets.
Al-Shabab, a group linked to al-Qaeda, announced via telegram on the same Thursday that its members had successfully infiltrated the hotel. This action is another example of their ongoing defiance against the Somali government.
Police spokesperson Kasim Roble reported on Friday the deaths of three military personnel and injuries to 27 people during the hotel attack.
Roble confirmed that the hotel was secured and normalcy had been restored. He stated, “Parliament members and other occupants have started to return.”
After the end of the hotel siege, journalists were barred from entering the location.
There’s been a recent downtrend in attacks within the coastal capital, which is attributed to strengthened security measures. Al-Shabab has historically launched many deadly attacks on hotels and other venues.
The last major incident in Mogadishu took place in October 2022 when two car bombs detonated at a busy intersection, killing at least 120 civilians.
The Somali government, in response to the threat posed by this militant group, is actively conducting a campaign against the extremists. The group is considered by the United States as one of al-Qaida’s most dangerous factions.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared his commitment to an all-out offensive against the militants. The group controls significant areas in central and southern Somalia and has been the target of several American drone strikes in recent years.
