Somalia’s capital Mogadishu made news headlines across the world on Friday, August 19, when Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked a hotel in the city. According to eyewitnesses, explosions were heard inside the hotel and at least At least 20 people were killed in the attack.

Police Major Yasin Haji told CNN at least 50 others have been injured in the attack on Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu on Friday. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Security forces responded to the attack soon and rescued several people, including children from the hotel, the police said.

Also Read: Marcell Ozuna DUI arrest report: What Atlanta Braves player said

How did the attack begin?

The Al-Shabaab attack began with car bombs outside the hotel before the terrorist gunmen went inside. The subsequent gunfire continued on Saturday as well, however, security forces were able to neutralise several attackers, but it is yet unclear how many of them remain, who have been holed up inside on Hotel Hayat’s topmost floor. 

“Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat. One hit a barrier near the hotel and then the other hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel,” Reuters quoted a Somali police officer.

Why did Al-Shabaab target Hayat Hotel?

It is being speculated that the terrorist outfit specifically targeted the hotel because Somalian government officials and lawmakers frequently visit the venue. The terrorist outfit in question, Al-Shabaab, which have links with Al-Qaeda, is trying to take over the country for the previous decade. 

The attack on Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu is also the first major attack by the Islamic extremist group since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed office in May 2022.

Also Read: Ingram Park Mall incident: Police detain one teenage suspect, in pursuit of another

Eyewitness account

The Associated Press quoted an eyewitness named Abdullahi Hussein, who described how the terrorist outfit attacked on Friday.

“We were having tea near the hotel lobby when we heard the first blast followed by gunfire. I immediately rushed toward hotel rooms on the ground floor, and I locked,” he said over a telephone call. 

“The militants went straight upstairs and started shooting. I was inside the room until the security forces arrived and rescued me,” he added.

The attack survivor also revealed that he witnessed several dead bodies lying outside the hotel reception when he was being rescued by the security forces.

Also Read: Mike Pence says he did not leave office with any classified materials

Broader fight against Al-Shabaab 

The United States recently killed as many as 13 Somali terrorists in an airstrike, which was confirmed by the US Africa Command. It also confirmed that the attack was carried out to help the Somali military.

The Americans also conducted three airstrikes against Al-Shabaab earlier in August when four terrorists were killed. The terror outfit currently controls the majority of the country’s southern and central regions.