SOMALIA: Al-Shabab siege at Mogadishu beachside hotel leaves at least 15 dead, dozens injured

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SOMALIA: Al-Shabab siege at Mogadishu beachside hotel leaves at least 15 dead, dozens injured

Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) Fighters from the armed group al-Shabab launched a six-hour siege at a beachside hotel in Mogadishu on Friday night, resulting in the death of more than 15 individuals and leaving over 30 others injured

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Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) Fighters from the armed group al-Shabab launched a six-hour siege at a beachside hotel in Mogadishu on Friday night, resulting in the death of more than 15 individuals and leaving over 30 others injured The attack unfolded at the popular Pearl Beach Lido hotel, a renowned establishment frequented by locals and visitors alike.

According to a statement released by Somali police, nine deaths were confirmed, including three policemen who valiantly responded to the assault.

However, accounts from eyewitnesses and relatives of the victims presented conflicting information. Grieving families took to social media to express their condolences and shared the names of their loved ones who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the attack.

Tragically, Nasro Abdi Hassan, a young dentist from Afmadow who had arrived in Mogadishu for a visit, was among the casualties. Nasro’s friend, Abdihakin Digale, expressed his sorrow, stating, "I am praying for you. Nasra Abdi Hassan is no more. She is one of the people who lost her life in the Pearl Beach Lido hotel attack in Mogadishu.”

As messages of condolences and grieving inundated social media platforms, anxious family members hurried to local hospitals in search of their loved ones who had either been injured or were still missing.

Outside Madina hospital, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali shared a relieved update, saying, "We just found my brother who was missing since last night. He sustained a slight leg injury, but thanks to God, he is now feeling well.”

Another survivor, Abdirahman Nur, recounted his harrowing experience, stating, "I am lucky to be safe. I jumped on the wall shortly after the first explosion hit the hotel entrance. It was a huge blast followed by two more and then gunfire. The attack was terrifying. Unfortunately, my younger sister was injured.”

According to the police statement, security forces successfully neutralized seven attackers belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked rebel group and rescued 84 civilians. Among those rescued were several children.

The assault occurred at the Pearl Beach hotel, a renowned upscale venue situated on Lido Beach, a vibrant area of Mogadishu that attracts people seeking leisure activities such as visiting coffee shops and ice cream parlors.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes in the wake of their assault on an African Union base in Bulo Marer last month, where they killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers

A crucial question in the aftermath of the Liido hotel attack

The attack at the Pearl Beach hotel has prompted concerns among the local population, who are seeking answers regarding the effectiveness of existing security measures in preventing such attacks.

Mogadishu residents are raising a crucial question in the aftermath of the recent al-Shabaab attack: How were the attackers able to reach Liido Beach despite the presence of multiple heavily fortified security checkpoints throughout the city?

Despite being driven out of Somalia’s major urban centers, the extremist group continues to exert influence over vast rural areas and carries out targeted attacks on both security forces and civilian targets, including within the capital city.