Mogadishu, Somalia – (African Boulevard News) – Six civilians have been reported dead and 10 injured in a six-hour-long attack by Islamist Al-Shabaab militants at a beachside hotel in the capital city, Mogadishu, according to local police reports released on Saturday.
The fatal event marked another distressing occurrence in the country’s effort to combat Islamist extremist groups in the region. It was a heavy blow for the residents of the country, who have been living under the persistent threat of violence.
The authorities revealed that the extremist group had carried out the attack in the early hours of the morning, where they detonated a car bomb at the hotel’s entrance before heavily armed gunmen stormed the premises and attacked guests lodged in the establishment. The militants reportedly engaged in a six-hour-long standoff with security forces before the hotel was eventually secured.
“Today, at around 04:00 am, the Al-Shabaab attackers bombed the hotel’s entrance before breaking the gate and storming the hotel. The attackers targeted innocent civilians in a cowardly attack, and we condemn this act of violence. The security forces eventually managed to secure the hotel,” said police spokesperson Mohamed Dahir.
The Al-Shabaab group, which has been carrying out attacks on Somalia for over a decade, orchestrated the attack on the hotel. The group’s goal is to remove the Western-backed government in Mogadishu, and the latest attack is another attempt to destabilize the country.
The attack has caused outrage among security experts and stakeholders, who are now calling for a review of the security system in the region. They urge the government to increase their efforts to combat the terrorist group, which continues to cause unrest in the region.
“This is a tragic event, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We urge the Somali Government to strengthen their security systems and make sure their citizens are safe. The threat of the Al-Shabaab group is persistent and shows no sign of abating. There is an urgent need to take bold and decisive action to prevent future attacks,” said a security expert.
The attack on the beachside hotel is a reminder that the threat of terrorist attacks in Somalia remains high. The government must continue to show their commitment to safeguarding the lives of their citizens by developing a comprehensive security plan.
The country’s authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspects. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
