DEVELOPING STORY
By: Hassan Yarow
MOGADISHU—Armed militants targeted the renowned SYL hotel located just meters away from Villa Somalia, the seat of the Somali government.
The attackers, driving a heavily-equipped Land Cruiser, managed to pass through multiple security checkpoints undetected, raising serious concerns about the country’s security protocols.
Eyewitnesses say that as soon as the assailants arrived at the hotel, they swiftly disembarked from the vehicle, brandishing an array of firearms. Panic and chaos ensued as they forcefully entered the premises, indiscriminately firing their weapons. The sound of gunshots reverberated throughout the area, sending nearby residents and guests into a state of fear and confusion.
Just minutes after the militants disembarked from the vehicle, the Land Cruiser erupted in a powerful blast, causing further devastation to the surroundings. The explosion added an additional layer of chaos and intensified the ongoing gun battle.
During the exchange of gunfire, several casualties were reported, including government spokesperson Farhan Jimcale, who sustained injuries during the attack. The wounded have been swiftly transported to Banadir Hospital for urgent treatment. The exact number of casualties and the extent of injuries are yet to be confirmed.
