On 27 November 2022, Al‑Shabaab (AS) militants carried out a deadly attack on the Villa Rosa Hotel in Mogadishu, located near the presidential palace. Despite heavy security, the attackers managed to breach the area, allegedly aided by insiders within government ranks. Investigations revealed that Somali National Army (SNA) officers and other state officials had facilitated the militants’ operations, including passing explosives-laden vehicles through checkpoints and enabling attackers to access highly secured facilities such as Mogadishu’s airport and military training centres. Reports indicate that AS supporters are embedded in various sectors, including security forces, justice systems, prisons, banks, and telecommunications. In some cases, imprisoned AS operatives have coordinated attacks using smuggled mobile phones and financial services. The group’s infiltration extends to offering cheaper court services, undermining the legitimacy of state institutions.