Loud explosion is heard as Somali militant group says its fighters have attacked a hotel in capital

By OMAR FARUK
Associated Press

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The Somali extremist group al-Shabab says its fighters have attacked a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, where a loud explosion and gunfire have been heard. Al-Shabab said on its Telegram channel that its fighters managed to penetrate the SYL hotel, which is located not far from the presidential palace in a normally secure part of Mogadishu. The hotel is patronized by government officials. There was no immediate word on casualties. Attacks in the seaside capital had reduced in recent weeks amid a beefing up of security there. Al-Shaba, which opposes Somalia’s federal government, is responsible for many lethal attacks on hotels and other places over the years.