By Hassan Isilow
Somali security forces said Friday they have ended a siege by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group at a popular hotel in the capital Mogadishu, the state broadcaster reported.
With several bomb explosions and gunfire, the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group late Thursday stormed the SYL Hotel, usually frequented by government officials and lawmakers.
Three soldiers were killed and 27 people, including 9 soldiers, were wounded during the attack on the hotel, located close to the presidential palace, according to a state broadcaster report.
Security forces also “neutralized” five attackers, the broadcaster said.
Many people, including government officials, have been evacuated from the hotel building.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on the hotel.