Death toll rises after Al-Shabaab gunmen storm hotel in Somalia

KISMAYO, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants on Sunday raided the Port City of Kismayo in southern Somalia, the for attack in the busy city in as many months, despite the heavy presence of the Somali National Army [SNA] and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].

At least five people have since been killed in the attack, with sources indicating that the siege is still going, with security forces trying to restore order after several hours of gunshots. The area under attack is under the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF].

According to reports, the explosion first hit the popular Tawakal Hotel, with a subsequent attack by armed men who stormed the hotel. The first attack took place at around 12pm local time in the busy Port City which was once under the control of Al-Shabaab.

Major Warsame Ahmed Geelle, deputy police commander of the Lower Jubba region, confirmed the attack to VOA Somali.

“The terrorists have attacked the hotel; some of them have now been killed, and there is one man still remaining. We will finish him off,” he said. “This is an enemy, they are terrorists, and they are creating trouble throughout Somalia. There is a firefight inside the hotel between the security forces and the terrorists.”

Eyewitnesses said gunfire rented the air as security forces struggled to contain the militants who have since claimed responsibility for the attack. It was not immediately clear who the militants were targeting but usually, they go for senior government officials.

Farhan Abdi Afdhub, a local politician, was among those rescued from the hotel. The militants are trying to reclaim several parts which have been liberated from the militants, with the troops seizing several former strongholds.

“An explosion occurred; I am not sure whether it was a car bomb or someone blowing up,” he said. “I was at the lobby when I saw four attackers with their faces covered, wearing [army] uniform, entering the hotel. I run to the room next to the reception. I opened the window, tore the window net, and jumped out. I was rescued by the rescue and ambulance teams.”

Further reports indicate that the hotel is frequented by local elders and business people. The attack also comes at the time the government has sharply warned business owners from financing the team, either through extortion or by willingly supporting the militants.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia, with the team also pushing to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. Stakeholders have been fighting to help the country defeat the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE