The Central Hotel in Mogadishu became the site of a deadly siege when members of the Al-Shabab militant group carried out a surprise attack during the night on March 27, 2015. Armed with guns and explosives, the militants stormed the hotel, a popular venue for politicians and foreign dignitaries. The assault began when one of the perpetrators detonated a suicide bomb at the entrance, allowing others to enter and engage in an armed standoff with local security forces. For hours, gunfire echoed throughout the surrounding area, causing panic among nearby residents. Chaos ensued as guests and employees scrambled for safety while police forces attempted to neutralize the attackers.Despite swift responses from security personnel, the militants managed to take control of parts of the hotel for an extended period, demonstrating both their capabilities and the ongoing instability within Somalia. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including both civilians and security personnel. Many were left injured, and the emotional and psychological toll added to the continuous fears of violence in the capital. Ultimately, the siege concluded after hours of engagement, but it sparked significant alarm regarding the ability of the Somali government and its ally forces to maintain security and restore order in Mogadishu.This incident was emblematic of the broader struggle that Somalia faced at the time, where Al-Shabab, linked to al-Qaeda, continued to pose a serious threat to stability in the region. With numerous similar attacks occurring in the years that followed, it highlighted the challenges the government faced in asserting control and rebuilding the nation after decades of conflict. The attack on the Central Hotel also raised questions about the safety of public spaces in a city still recovering from civil war, and it drew international condemnation against Al-Shabab’s violent tactics.