Somalia: attack by Shebab Islamists in a hotel in Mogadishu

Security forces surround the Hayat hotel, taken over by terrorists, on August 19, 2022 in Mogadishu.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin via REUTERS - ABDALLE AHMED MUMIN

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

An attack by Shebab Islamists in a hotel in Mogadishu killed at least eight people this Friday, August 20.

Heavy exchanges of gunfire took place at the Hayat hotel in the Somali capital between the security forces and the jihadists.

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Many people would still be trapped.

The Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu, usually frequented by government officials, was attacked by two car bombs.

According to a policeman, one of the cars hit a barrier near the hotel, the other broke the door of the establishment.

A pro-Shebab website reports that the jihadists then entered the compound and “ 

”.

Explosions were also heard.

A first, caused by a suicide bomber according to the Somali police spokesperson, then a second, which would have caused victims among the rescuers, the security forces and the civilians who rushed towards the hotel after the first explosion . 

The area around the property is now cordoned off.

Shots were reportedly exchanged between the jihadists, entrenched inside the building, and the Somali security forces.

Outside, families are rushing to various hospitals in the capital in the hope of finding relatives.

These scenes bring back sad memories.

The shebabs are not at their first attempt and punctually strike the Somali capital.

In March of last year, in particular, a car bomb attack had already killed more than 20 people in front of a restaurant. 

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• Somalia

• Shebabs

• Terrorism