Al Shabaab gunmen attacked the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, where regional officials were meeting, leading to a siege. At least four people were killed, according to local lawmakers. Government forces engaged with the militants, who claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they had caused over ten deaths. Witnesses described explosions and ongoing gunfire during the chaos.
On Tuesday, gunmen attacked the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia, where local elders and government officials were convening. Witnesses reported that the attackers laid siege to the hotel, prompting immediate military engagement from government forces. Federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow confirmed that at least four fatalities occurred from the incident, with government troops attempting to eliminate al Shabaab members nearby.
The militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that they killed more than ten individuals in their statement. This attack coincided with a meeting intended to strategize on countering al Shabaab’s influence in the region, as shared by clan elder Abdullahi Fidow, who had intended to attend but was delayed.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, noting a series of blasts followed by sustained gunfire, leading to significant destruction at the hotel. Shopkeeper Ali Suleiman recounted, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.” The aftermath left parts of the hotel in ruins as battles ensued between the attackers and government forces. Halima Nur, a nearby resident, confirmed that sporadic gunfire continued throughout the siege, illustrating the ongoing threat posed by al Shabaab in the Horn of Africa region.
The attack on the Qahira Hotel highlights the persistent threat of Al Shabaab in Somalia, particularly as the group continues to target government officials and disrupt efforts to stabilize the region. The immediate response from government forces reflects the ongoing conflict and challenges faced in addressing militant activities. The incident underscores the urgency of collaborative community efforts to resist such extremist groups.
Original Source: thesun.my
