Hiiraan Online
Wednesday January 25, 2017
Al Shabaab militants have attacked Dayah hotel today in Mogadishu after setting off two bombs.
The hotel is located on Al-Mukarama Road and is currently hosting a number of government officials.
According to witnesses, Al Shabaab fighters used a car bomb to penetrate the hotel’s gates before storming the compound and engaging security forces in a gun battle . Shortly after as reinforcements began to arrive, a car packed with explosives parked outside the hotel was detonated.
Debris from the explosion landed on a nearby residence causing a fire.
A journalist, Abdirizak Atosh posted this footage
HOL reached someone who lives close by the Hotel confirmed that the fighting is currently ongoing.
UPDATE: An eyewitness official close to the investigation has told HOL that at least 20 people have died in the attacks including a number of journalists. The same source also said the many more were wounded and transported to local hospitals, adding that the death toll is likely rise.
Buildings around the hotel were also damaged including a business next door that was completely gutted.
Security officials have told HOL that the battle for the hotel is over and government forces have secured the building and it’s surrounding area.
Al Shabaab has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, which is the deadliest attack in 2017.