The modus operandi is reminiscent of that of the Shebab jihadists. Sunday afternoon, after the explosion of a car bomb, armed men invaded the Elite Hotel, an establishment in Mogadishu located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The attack left at least 5 dead and 28 injured people had to be taken to hospital, according to local journalists. The toll could nevertheless grow heavier over the hours.
“There was a car bomb explosion targeting the Elite hotel on Lido beach” and “there are heavy gunshots inside the hotel”, said Adan Ibrahim, officer. police in the area. At least four men armed with Kalashnikov-type rifles, grenades and explosive vests reportedly stormed the hotel, which is usually busy with people working for the Somali government.
BREAKING - Gunfire and huge explosion reported at the popular Elite Hotel at Liido Beach in Mogadishu. pic.twitter.com/8ys47xo2mw
- Faytuks News 🔴 (@Faytuks) August 16, 2020The attack puts an end to a period of relative calm that lasted for several months after a wave of bombings carried out earlier this year by Islamic rebel Shebabs.