Insights

17 dead and 26 injured as al Shabaab attack pizza house

At least 17 people have been killed and 26 others injured, after gunmen posing as military forces held an unknown number of hostages inside a popular Pizza house restaurant in Mogadishu in an attack that began with a suicide car bomb explosion. Al Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack. All of the gunmen were shot dead and 10 hostages were rescued. Al Shabaab have claimed responsibility for the attack. The Somali-based terrorist group often target high-profile areas in Mogadishu, including hotels, military checkpoints and areas near the presidential palace. They have vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against them.

For any business-critical travel in Somalia, travellers are advised to vary their routines regularly and avoid all travel after dark. Al-Shabaab and other Islamic extremists frequently carry out attacks and kidnap travellers. Attacks are generally directed at security force checkpoints, government buildings, police stations and hotels. Exercise particular caution in and around these areas and report any suspicious packages, behaviour or activity to the authorities.