As explained by BBCit is “the first attack in the Somali capital since new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected in May.”
Friday evening, details the British media, two car bombs targeted the Hayat hotel in Mogadishu. Then terrorists “entered the building and opened fire” on civilians. The first report shows ten people killed, and nine wounded evacuated.
According to the news site, the attack was carried out by the Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabaab, “which has engaged in a long-term conflict with the Somali federal government, and which controls much of the south and center of the country.” However, this Al-Qaeda-affiliated organization has not been able to extend its influence to Mogadishu, where it operates through targeted terrorist attacks.
In the case of the Hayat hotel, the place could have been chosen, because “this one is described as a popular establishment, where employees of the federal government meet”, indicates the BBC.
According to a latest report provided by the site of the American television channel CNN, “At least 15 people are believed to have died as a result of the attack, and the total casualties could still grow, as many victims are said to be in critical condition,” according to the information coming from the Madina hospital, one of the most important in the capital.
Saturday morning, according to the latest news, the Somali security forces had not yet regained control of the entire hotel.