After a 3 hours online meeting with a group of Cyber security analysts today,using Human intelligence, open source intelligence,counter intelligence,Psychological intelligence,counter terrorism sources and observations.we came up with a conclusion on the Thursday night attack on SYL hotel in Mogadishu. The report is as follows.
Death toll rises to 31 as per local hospitals, survivors and responders.
46 injured including six MPs, security people, commander of Haramcad police unit, several officials at the Banadir Regional Administration, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office and a journalist.
It took 17 hours to end the siege (from 21.41 pm Thursday to 3.00pm Friday). The siege was ended thanks to the support provided by the U.S-trained unit Gaashaan.
The attack targeted the hotel while clan politicians and government security/militia commanders were meeting. However, it's important to note that the hotel also serves as a residence for dozens of MPs and politicians.
Total Al-Shabaab attackers confirmed to be 7. Only 5 bodies were found - they were wearing civilian clothes. The two others are missing. The attackers were able to communicate to Al-Shabaab radio and broadcast live reporting from the hotel. Their audio voices were transmitted via Telegram channels.
The brand new Toyota vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) used for the first explosion also brought weapons for the attackers moments before they stormed the hotel perimeter. Security sources confirm the vehicle came through the Sayidka Junction security checkpoint. This is the main reason Hassan Mohamud was angry and decided to visit and see the CCTV monitoring room inside HSNQ NISA headquarters.
A second explosion took place in the middle of the attack but details are still shady. Both explosions also damaged nearby civilian buildings with possible casualties as the area is densely populated.
The SYL Hotel was one of the most heavily guarded buildings in Mogadishu. Not only is it situated in the vicinity of the presidential palace commonly known as Villa Somalia, but it also serves as a primary residence and central hub for government officials and security personnel, particularly those working within the presidency, the Office of the Prime Minister, Parliament, and officials at the district level in Mogadishu.
If you have not been to Mogadishu, you need to note that there are six different checkpoints surrounded to this small area.The check points are Sayidka, Shimbiraale, 15 May, Boondheere, Daljirka, and Ceelgaabta. All these checkpoints are strict and manned by heavily armed presidential guards plus NISA officers. Civilian cars without certain gov't IDs are not permitted at all. There have been numerous threat alerts against this hotel and others that have been well publicized months ago.The Thursday night's attack occurs amidst significant developments: the planned reshuffle of cabinet ministers and and removal of security officials, including Mahad Salad of HSNQ NISA. It's a common occurrence in Mogadishu that whenever someone feels their position is threatened, they resort to compromise and plot to derail proceedings.
The hotel siege in Mogadishu on Thursday requires thorough investigation, accountability for perpetrators and plotters, and justice for the victims. It's evident that the incident has both political and terror-related dimensions that need to be addressed.
However ,many say the figures of the victims are being over exaggerated by Gorvenment opposition.Some hours there were reports that one of the attackers was a worker to the parliament which was later blandished fake by a number investigators.
"One of the attackers of the SYL hotel that led to death of 31 and 46 others injured is an employee of the Somali Federal Parliament.
He is not alone out of 7 terrorist attackers, only 5 were killed while 2 are still at large under hide.
Only a thorough investigation into NISA and its terrorist infiltrators is require.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
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