Al Shabab gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, killing at least seven people during a meeting of local elders and officials. The group used explosives for entry and claims higher casualties. Government forces are engaged in efforts to eliminate remaining fighters, while a separate incident in Middle Shabelle resulted in additional deaths.
On Tuesday, Al Shabab gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, resulting in at least seven fatalities. The incident occurred during a meeting of local elders and government officials strategizing against the Islamist militant group. Witness Ali Suleiman reported that the attackers used explosives to gain entry into the hotel.
Al Shabab, linked to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting they had killed more than 10 individuals. The group aims to destabilize the Somali government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law through ongoing violence, including bombings and gun attacks.
Clan elder Abdullahi Fidow lamented the loss of relatives among the victims and reported ongoing clashes, indicating that parts of the hotel were ablaze. He mentioned concerns about potentially rising casualties due to continued fighting in surrounding buildings.
Following the attack, federal forces engaged in operations to eliminate remaining Al Shabab fighters. Local lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow confirmed that some militants had been neutralized in nearby areas.
In an unrelated event, fighting in a village in the Middle Shabelle region left at least ten individuals dead, including eight Al Shabab fighters. Additionally, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was reported to be at Mogadishu’s airport to receive wounded soldiers.
The Al Shabab attack in Beledweyne highlights the ongoing threat posed by the group in Somalia, targeting key figures involved in governance efforts. The situation remains critical as government forces continue to combat the insurgents and a separate incident in the Middle Shabelle region underscores the broader violence affecting the country. Continued vigilance and strategic responses are necessary to address the persistent insecurity.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
