At least 3 soldiers killed in Somalia hotel attack -Xinhua

Security forces block a road leading to SYL Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 15, 2024. At least three soldiers were killed and 27 others wounded in a terrorist attack at a popular hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu Thursday evening, the police confirmed Friday. (Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

MOGADISHU, March 15 (Xinhua) -- At least three soldiers were killed and 27 others wounded in a terrorist attack at a popular hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu Thursday evening, the police confirmed Friday.

Kassim Ahmed Roble, the police spokesperson, told journalists in Mogadishu that 18 civilians, including nine soldiers, are among those wounded in the attack at SYL Hotel, which is near the presidential palace.

"We lost three soldiers while three members of parliament sustained minor injuries. Our security forces neutralized all the five attackers. Investigation is underway to establish the motive of the attack," Roble said.

He said the security forces successfully ended a siege lasting more than ten hours at the heavily fortified hotel. The siege ended Friday morning.

The hotel, which has been attacked by the militants in the past, is frequented by government officials and high-profile businessmen.

The latest attack began at around 9:45 p.m., local time, after gunmen forced their vehicle laden with explosives inside the SYL Hotel and opened fire on the patrons, including some lawmakers and government officials. Sources said five suicide bombers were inside the vehicle, but one blew himself up, prompting sporadic gunfire inside the hotel between the attackers and security forces.

Al-Shabab terror group, which is trying to overthrow the government, claimed responsibility for the latest attack.

The group has repeatedly staged similar attacks on government buildings, hotels, and other public places. ■