Sunday December 22, 2019
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The 21st division of the Somali National Army has hailed the bravery of its personnel who fought back an Al-Shabaab attack at a hotel in Galkaayo with some paying the ultimate price.
In a statement following the attack which left at least seven people dead, the military also condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones during the attack.
It noted the attack signified the aim of the militants to cause arm to innocent civilians but vowed it would take the war to their courtyards until it is defeated.
A military officer, Major Ali Umar quoted by Reuters said seven people had died and several others injured among them Somali military personnel.
Multiple sources indicate senior military officials among them ground forces commander General Abdihamid Mohamed Dirir were at the hotel but were no harmed. Sources noted the militants drove into the hotel and detonated bombs in attempts to make way into the hotel.
The attack came barely two weeks after another Al-Shabaab attack at SYL hotel in Mogadishu where at least six people were killed.