Al-Shabab assailants attack Hayat hotel in Mogadishu

Breaking news today in Somalia; Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for attacking a Hayat hotel in Mogadishu, the country's infamous capital. Al-Shabab is the long-time AQ affiliate in the area, dating back to way before the global war on terror, and to before the "black hawk down" infamy graced our knowledge.

The group allegedly used two carbombs, one at the main gate/roadblock, and one at another gate before storming the building. The latest news is that security forces are engaged with the group who is holed up inside the building.


I'm struck with the question; Why?

What's the operational significance of the hotel? Even idiot terrorists like AS/AQ need to have some kind of game plan, and usually only act when there is a clear motive (even if only clear to them).

As of now, there are no reports of how many casualties, but there are casualties on scene.

Stand by to stand by.

Link to DW
BBC World News

"Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat. One hit a barrier near the hotel, and then the other hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel," a police officer who gave his name as only Ahmed, told the Reuters news agency.

The assault triggered a fierce gunfight between security forces and the gunmen who were holed up inside the building, security official Abdukadir Hassan told the AFP news agency.

"We don't have the details so far but there are casualties, and the security forces are now engaging with the enemy who are holed up inside the building," he added.

I'm thinking some high profile target they're trying to assassinate. Maybe a group of targets...
a reply to: Iconic

originally posted by: Iconic
Breaking news today in Somalia; Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for attacking a Hayat hotel in Mogadishu, the country's infamous capital. Al-Shabab is the long-time AQ affiliate in the area, dating back to way before the global war on terror, and to before the "black hawk down" infamy graced our knowledge.

The group allegedly used two carbombs, one at the main gate/roadblock, and one at another gate before storming the building. The latest news is that security forces are engaged with the group who is holed up inside the building.


I'm struck with the question; Why?

What's the operational significance of the hotel? Even idiot terrorists like AS/AQ need to have some kind of game plan, and usually only act when there is a clear motive (even if only clear to them).

As of now, there are no reports of how many casualties, but there are casualties on scene.

Stand by to stand by.

Link to DW
BBC World News

"Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat. One hit a barrier near the hotel, and then the other hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel," a police officer who gave his name as only Ahmed, told the Reuters news agency.

The assault triggered a fierce gunfight between security forces and the gunmen who were holed up inside the building, security official Abdukadir Hassan told the AFP news agency.

"We don't have the details so far but there are casualties, and the security forces are now engaging with the enemy who are holed up inside the building," he added.

trumps nuclear secrets

or the Nigerian prince is there and they want their money.

why are these azzholes still breathing anyway?

a reply to: Iconic

Why is this suddenly in the "news" whilst Yemen is constantly ignored?