An update
A lot more info has come in since I wrote this post, including information that leads to the conclusion that the terrorists actually did want to blow up a hotel full of reporters, not just make the news.
I have no idea what kind of thinking would lead to this strategy.
Bill Roggio has a timeline and an aerial view on his site. Note the #3 position. This was a close one, and whoever shot the hell out of that cement mixer deserves some kind of medal.