Mogadishu
CNN
—
The terrorist group al-Shabaab, linked to al Qaeda, carried out a suicide attack and stormed a central Mogadishu hotel frequented by many people. of Somali Minister and members of parliament, Somali police said on Sunday.
According to police, Al-Shabaab stormed into the Villa Rose hotel near the Somali presidential palace following a suicide bombing at the gate at 8 p.m. local time (noon ET).
Captain Bishar Ahmed confirmed to CNN that a major attack took place at the hotel, which is located in a heavily guarded area in downtown Mogadishu, home to government headquarters, ministries and a prison. High security intelligence.
Adam Aw Hirsi, the state’s environment minister, said he escaped the attack.
Police have not released details on the number of casualties. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Armed Forces of Somalia, supported by the United States, has been carrying out a military campaign against the group since August in parts of southern and central Somalia.
In May, US President Joe Biden decided to redeploy troops to Somalia to support the local government and fight al-Shabaab. The move reverses former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw all US troops from the country.
