Islamic militants attack Mogadishu hotel

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A Somali soldier patrols outside the Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu on Saturday. Associated Press/Photo by Farah Abdi Warsameh

Islamic militants attack Mogadishu hotel

At least 21 people died when gunmen stormed a popular hotel in Somalia’s capital late Friday. More than 100 others were wounded. Somali troops fought the attackers for more than 30 hours before bringing the siege to an end.

Who is behind the attack? The Islamic terror group al-Shabaab, which has ties to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility. The group has strongholds in rural Somalia. It has become more daring in its attacks near Mogadishu recently. In May, U.S. President Joe Biden redeployed troops to Somalia to help government forces keep order.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour about China’s attempts to gain influence in the Horn of Africa.

Lynde Langdon

Lynde is WORLD’s executive editor for news. She is a graduate of World Journalism Institute, the Missouri School of Journalism, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Lynde resides with her family in Wichita, Kan.

@lmlangdon