Security officials in Mogadishu confirmed that at least 16 people have died in a terrorist attack on a central hotel, with operations continuing into Saturday morning. The assault was carried out by members of the Al Shabaab group and unfolded Friday night at the Hayat Hotel, a site frequently used by Somali authorities and government staff. Local police sources told Garowe Online that the death toll stood at 16, with many wounded and a number of Somali police and intelligence officers believed to be inside the building throughout the incident.
Official accounts describe how gunmen breached the hotel after a sequence of explosions, opening fire at will and triggering a swift security response. The Hayat Hotel sits near the heart of Mogadishu, a busy area also tied to sensitive government offices and security agencies. This night attack represents one of the most brazen assaults in Mogadishu in recent months and raises urgent questions about Somalia’s ongoing fight against extremist violence and the ability of security forces to intercept high-risk incursions.
The episode comes as Somalia seeks to stabilize the capital, a goal intensified by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s inauguration in early June. The scale of Friday’s attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Al Shabaab, a group that has long targeted government institutions, security personnel, and public spaces to disrupt governance and undermine public confidence. International observers stress the need for coordinated counterterrorism efforts, including intelligence sharing, rapid emergency response, and safeguarding critical infrastructure in Mogadishu and beyond.
The European Union delegation to Somalia condemned the assault as a cowardly act and offered condolences to those affected, while reaffirming a commitment to supporting Somalia’s security institutions and civilian protection. Officials and residents were urged to remain vigilant as authorities secure the area, carry out investigations, and provide humanitarian relief where needed. The incident spurred discussions among regional partners about security cooperation and the ongoing challenges in achieving durable peace and stability in the region. (Garowe Online)