Somalian security forces ended a deadly attack in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu, on Tuesday after a shootout that lasted seven hours and left three civilians and two soldiers dead. Five heavily armed gunmen overpowered security guards at the upscale SYL hotel, according to law enforcement. Eleven people were injured, including members of the Somalian security forces countering the gunmen. The attack has since been claimed by terrorist group Al-Shabaab, and five alleged members of Al-Shabaab were killed in the shootout.
Dozens were evacuated from the hotel, which is close to the presidential palace and popular among Somalian security officials and government employees. People nearby the hotel at the time of attack reported the sound of explosions coming from inside the hotel. Police warned that the death toll may rise in the coming days.
