A car bomb attack at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, killed at least six people, including two traditional elders, amidst intense gunfire from attackers. Al-Shabab is suspected despite no immediate claim of responsibility, continuing its pattern of violence against government figures in the region.
A militant attack involving a car bomb targeted the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, resulting in at least six fatalities, including two prominent traditional elders. Witnesses reported an explosion followed by intense gunfire as attackers clashed with security forces. Muhsin Abdullahi, a resident, noted, “Six people, including two well-known traditional elders, were killed in the attack,” and mentioned additional wounded individuals were taken to hospitals.
The hotel is known to host traditional elders and military officers engaged in planning operations against the militant group al-Shabab. Footage on social media revealed thick smoke emanating from the hotel, indicating considerable destruction. As of yet, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though al-Shabab regularly conducts bombings against government and military personnel.
Al-Shabab maintains control in parts of rural Somalia and continues to pose a threat despite military efforts by Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers. Beledweyne, situated approximately 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, is pivotal in the fight against al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida.
The militant attack in Beledweyne, Somalia, underscores the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in the region, marked by bombings and targeted assaults against officials and military personnel. The incident, resulting in at least six deaths, including respected community figures, highlights the challenges faced by Somalian forces amid their efforts to combat insurgency.
Original Source: www.wral.com
