At least six people were killed in an attack carried out by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia on a hotel near the presidential palace in the capital, Mogadishu.
Control has not yet been established as of today, Friday, following explosions outside the Sahafi Hotel yesterday evening.
A suicide bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosives in front of the building before Al-Shabaab fighters stormed the hotel, which is renowned among the city’s political elite.
Witnesses today reported gunfire inside the building and the surrounding area, with a helicopter flying at low altitude above the hotel.
It is believed that suspected terrorists are still inside the building.
Police spokesman Qasim Ahmed Roble said today, “To my knowledge, one terrorist, three hotel security guards, and two members of the security apparatus were killed in the attack.”
A security forces spokesperson stated that around ten people were injured, including a member of the Somali parliament.
A large number of people were evacuated from the hotel to a safe area.
The Sahafi Hotel has been the target of numerous Al-Shabaab attacks in the past, despite being located in an area of the city with a high level of security due to its proximity to the presidential palace.
