Unidentified #attackers have taken control of a #hotel in the #Somali capital following two #car #bomb blasts and #gunfire, #police and #intelligence officers said on Friday. “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,” a police officer who gave his name as only #Ahmed. Two intelligence officers, who did not want to be identified, also confirmed the incident. The #AlQaeda-linked al-Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a translation by the #SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors terrorist group statements. There were no immediate details available on any #casualties, though #explosions were still being heard from the hotel’s direction. The Hayat Hotel is a popular venue with #lawmakers and other government officials. Friday’s attack is the first major attack since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May. #AlShabaab has claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the past. In August 2020, it said it was behind an attack on another hotel in #Mogadishu in which at least 16 people were killed. The group has been fighting to topple the #Somali government for more than 10 years. It wants to establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of #Islamic #law. (at Hayat Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/Chd1CzVrax6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
