Somali security forces "neutralised" militants who attacked a popular hotel in the capital of Mogadishu, Somali National Television said on Friday.
Security services were earlier seen surrounding the Syl Hotel, a place frequented by government officials and lawmakers, after the attack claimed by Al Shabab militants.
It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties.
Gunmen had stormed the hotel in Mogadishu near the presidential palace at about 9.45pm local time on Thursday.
The attack had come after two explosions in the city, witnesses said.
"Several gunmen forced their way into the building after destroying the perimeter wall with a heavy explosion," security officer Ahmed Dahir told AFP.
Al Shabab, which is linked to Al Qaeda, had taken responsibility for an attack on the same hotel in 2019.
Militants fired shots indiscriminately during the attack, witnesses said. Police and government representatives were not available for comment.
Al Shabab announced on its Telegram channel that its fighters seized the hotel. “The armed mujahideen control the hotel and are shooting workers and officers of the apostate government in the hotel,” the group said in a statement.
Mogadishu resident Hassan Nur escaped the hotel by climbing a wall. “I don't know about the casualties but there were many people inside when the attack started,” he said.
Another resident, Hussein Abdullahi, said soldiers opened fire before the first blast and he also heard the sound of a car travelling at high speed. “And then gunfire followed. A second blast followed. We heard the exchange of gunfire,” he added.
The last major attack in Mogadishu was in October 2022, when at least 121 people were killed in twin car bombings at a busy junction in the city.
Al Shabab remains a threat despite renewed efforts by the Somali government to tackle the group, with the help of other countries in the region. The militant group operates across the Horn of Africa.
The Somali government has since 2022 succeeded in eroding the group's power and control, but Al Shabab continues to launch attacks on government, commercial and military targets.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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