Al Shabab Claims Responsibility For Hotel Terror Attack Transcript

Matt Bradley: (00:02) Tonight, an upscale hotel under siege in Somalia. Gunfire is still being heard more than 24 hours into a hostage standoff that's killed at least 20 and wounded more than 40, including children. Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who spent hours transporting victims to the nearby hospital. Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan: (00:25) [inaudible 00:00:25]- Matt Bradley: (00:25) He recall the terror group, haphazardly opening fire. Matt Bradley: (00:28) The attack has already been claimed by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda linked militant group that's been terrorizing the region for more than 15 years. Its goal, to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state in Somalia. Their assaults started with explosions late Friday afternoon, which appear to be shown in this video. Then an unknown number of militants stormed the building, grabbing guests and staff as hostages. Witnesses fleeing for their lives. Matt Bradley: (00:58) Just two years ago Al-Shabaab stormed another Mogadishu hotel, killing 16. But this latest attack comes just as the US increases its presence in the area. Since June 3rd, the Biden administration has carried out six airstrikes against the terror group. The US Embassy condemned the attack and pledged to hold murderers accountable and build when others destroy. A fresh front in the war on terror, a conflict now in its third decade. Matt Bradley, NBC News. Speaker 3: (01:30) Thanks for watching our YouTube channel. Follow today's top stories and breaking news by downloading the NBC News app.