Saturday March 23, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali security forces apprehended 16 individuals on Saturday in connection with a deadly Al Shabaab terror attack on the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu over a week ago.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has successfully arrested Abdinasir Dahir Noor, identified as the main facilitator of the attack, ensuring the terrorists’ access to Mogadishu. Additionally, law enforcement has apprehended four individuals believed to be the owners of the vehicles used in the attack.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the security breach at a critical checkpoint, with five officers currently under scrutiny.
In reaction to the security threat, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre convened a crucial security meeting focused on the nation’s defence strategy and the safety of its capital. The assembly underscored the necessity for vigilance and collaboration between the military and civilians to counteract the menace of terrorism effectively.
The SYL attack, which left numerous civilians and government officials in peril, rekindled concerns over Al-Shabab’s capacity to strike at the heart of Somalia’s capital. The hotel was historically marred by repeated attacks due to its proximity to the presidential palace and frequent patronage by government officials and lawmakers.
