Al Shabaab has conducted a Westgate-Style attack on Makka al-Mukarama Hotel in Mogadishu. The ambush and the ensuing siege has left over a dozen people dead. The attack which occured on Friday started when al Shabaab gunmen disembarked from a vehicle parked near the hotel after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle onto the hotel walls prior to blowing himself up.
The ensuing melee after the explosion allowed the gunmen to breach the hotel’s security and gain access into the hotel. The hotel is popular with both foreigners and Somali government officials. The ensuing hotel siege lasted over 16 hours.
Take Hostages.
After gaining entry into the hotel, some of the gunmen went on a sporadic shooting spree that led to deaths of several people as other terrorists took hostages within the hotel. Some people managed to escape from the hotel by jumping through the windows. Survivors narrated tales of how the terrorists shot anyone on their sight. Among the people taken hostage were several Kenyans.
Siege Lifted.
Field intelligence indicates that about four terrorists participated in the attack. The gunmen used their hostages as human shields after Somali troops launched a rescue mission. Later on, Somali Special Forces stormed the hotel and the ensuing gunfight led to the deaths of several terrorists as well as Somali troops.
Current reports indicate that over 20 people have been killed. Among the dead is Yusuf Bari Bari – Somalia’s ambassador to Switzerland. All the Kenyans hostages are now safe after the successful lifting of the siege.
Al Shabaab Confirm Attack.
Al Shabaab has taken credit for the Hotel attack through its spokesman who described the hotel as a government base. The hotel is situated along the strategic road linking the Presidential Palace to the Airport.
