Two individuals linked to the 2019 Dusit D2 terror attack have been found guilty of terrorism-related charges.
In a statement on Thursday, May 22, Counter Terrorism Policing said Mohamed Abdi and Hussein Abdi were convicted for conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and facilitation of terrorism.
Mohamed was directly linked to Ali Salim Gichunge, the lead attacker in the Dusit D2 operation, while Hussein was linked to Gichunge's wife, Violet Kemunto.
"Mohamed was linked to Ali Salim Gichunge, a lead attacker in the Dusit D2 Complex attack, while Hussein was found to have facilitated Violet Kemunto, Gichunge's wife, and played a role in the foiled Merti attack.
"Their conviction sends a strong message to those aiding terrorists, it’s only a matter of time before the law catches up with you," the statement read.
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The 2019 DusitD2 terrorist attack was carried out by the Somalia-based militant group al-Shabaab and resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians, with at least 28 others injured.
The attack began when a suicide bomber detonated explosives in the hotel lobby.
"A loud explosion happened at the gate. Next, there was shooting, an exchange of fire, a lot of fire, and we see people rushing and running around in every direction," an eyewitness said.
At the same time, four gunmen armed with automatic weapons and grenades stormed the complex, targeting guests and employees.
The siege lasted approximately 19 hours; during this time, security forces managed to evacuate over 700 individuals and eventually killed all five attackers.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, with preliminary findings showing that the assailants targeted US citizens; the assailants included both Kenyan and Somali nationals.
