The atrocities in the UK over recent weeks show that soft-target attacks have become a strategic mainstay for ISIS-inspired terrorists. These have followed a growing list of other attacks targeting mainland Europe, employing mobile attackers armed with firearms or knives, or turning a vehicle into a weapon.
Sadly, the world continues to be a dangerous place, with terrorist attacks on the increase, particularly in the MENA region. Hotels have seemingly been identified as a "soft target", as by their very nature, they must be welcoming and friendly establishments as opposed to fortresses. Following the global incidents witnessed in 2016, we outline below the top 5 threats currently impacting security planning and strategy in the hotel sector.
Yesterday at least 28 people were killed and dozens injured in the latest al-Shabab attack on the Dayah Hotel, Mogadishu whereby the use of an explosives packed vehicle was rammed into the main gate followed by a secondary vehicle bomb whilst emergency services were in the height of their response.
