Sporadic explosions and gunshots erupted from a popular hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, several hours after Al-Shabaab insurgents attacked the building near the presidential palace.
The attack late Thursday interrupted a relative respite in violence for the Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist organization, demonstrating its continued capacity to strike despite a significant military push against the extremists.
Armed militants assaulted Mogadishu's SYL hotel, the focus of three previous attacks, in a spray of gunshots around 9:45 p.m. (1845 GMT), with Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility in a short statement.
Did you read this?
"Several gunmen forced their way into the building after destroying the perimeter wall with a heavy explosion," security officer Ahmed Dahir told AFP.
Hours later, it was still unclear whether there were casualties, and there had been no official government announcement on the attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Witnesses reported hearing the attackers fire indiscriminately.
"I don't know about the casualties, but there were many people inside when the attack started," said Hassan Nur, who fled by scaling a wall.
Other witnesses reported that police officers arrived at the hotel within minutes of the attack, resulting in a heated gunfire.
Al-Shabaab has previously carried out deadly attacks on the same hotel, most recently in 2019.
The SYL is at the main entrance to the Villa Somalia government complex, which houses the presidential palace, prime minister's office, and ministry buildings.
"It is a highly significant attack that shatters a sense of calm in Mogadishu that has developed in recent months following some security reforms," said Omar Mahmood, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group (ICG), noting that Al-Shabaab attacks have previously surged around Ramadan.
"It also serves as a signal from Al-Shabaab that despite much heralded efforts by this government to weaken them, the group remains active and resilient, and even able to hit the government close to home."
