Security Alert: Mogadishu (Somalia), Al Shabaab Attack at Hotel Hayat

Location: Mogadishu

Event: On August 19, 2022, car bomb blasts and gunfire were reported at Hotel Hayat in Mogadishu and are on-going. Al-Shabaab claims responsibility. Further attacks may occur. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu introduced travel restrictions for U.S. government personnel assigned to Mogadishu for the immediate future, including travel throughout the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.

The U.S. Embassy in Somalia reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys.

Methods of attack include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and mortar fire.

The Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Somalia and advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Somalia due to the lack of a permanent consular presence in Somalia.

Actions to Take:

· Continue to exercise vigilance while in Somalia.

· Review your personal security plans.

· Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.

· Avoid large crowds, gatherings, and demonstrations.

· Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.

· Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments

· Monitor local media and news for updates.

Assistance:

· U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya

United Nations Avenue, Gigiri

+254 (0) 20 363 6451