Somalia: A suspect 'who plotted' deadly hotel attack is arrested

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA] said on Thursday that it has apprehended a suspect in a deadly attack in Mogadishu on 9th November 2018, Garowe Online reports.

In a Twitter post, NISA said one of the masterminds who plotted carry out triple car bombings at Sahafi hotel in the capital was detained during a covert operation in the capital, without giving further details.

The attack which left more than 50 people dead, including hotel owner and security guards was claimed by Al-Shabaab, a dangerous Al Qaeda ally in East Africa that is fighting to topple Somali government.

"In carefully designed and skillfully executed operation, the security forces nabbed one of the masterminds of attack on Sahafi hotel on November 9," NISA tweeted.

NISA said it will bring the suspect to justice.

The Intelligence Agency has in the past tweeted such statements regarding the arrest of Al-Shabaab suspects as the Islamist group continue to stage deadly car bomb attacks in the capital.

NISA is operating without a director in place since last month after former boss, Hussein Mohamed Hussein, known as [Alool-Kus] resigned to run for Southwest State presidency in December 5 election.

The National Intelligence Agency is currently run by Fahad Yasin, former Villa Somalia Chief of Staff and an ally to Qatar who is serving as deputy director.

GAROWE ONLINE