Al-Shabab militants attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, targeting a meeting of local elders and government officials. The incident resulted in at least four deaths, with conflicting reports on the total casualty count. Witnesses described explosions and gunfire as the siege unfolded, while government forces engaged in a counter-offensive against the attackers. Al-Shabab claims responsibility, asserting their goal of establishing a strict interpretation of Sharia law in Somalia.
Gunmen from the militant group al-Shabab attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia, where local elders and government officials were gathered. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers laid siege to the venue, with Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal politician, confirming at least four fatalities. Government forces have since engaged in a fierce battle to eliminate the militants, with some reportedly killed in nearby areas,
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that they had killed over 10 individuals. The meeting at the hotel focused on strategies to combat al-Shabab’s influence in the region, according to clan elder Abdullahi Fidow. “I was supposed to attend the meeting but got delayed because I was busy with a family issue. The blasts occurred before I reached the hotel,” Fidow recounted.
Eyewitness Ali Suleiman described the chaotic scene, stating, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.” Reports indicated significant damage to the Qahira Hotel, with rubble strewn across the premises as firefights between government troops and the attackers unfolded. Halima Nur, a nearby resident, confirmed that intermittent gunfire continued throughout the siege.
The al-Shabab attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne illustrates the ongoing threat posed by the militant group in Somalia. With confirmed fatalities and a strong response from government forces, the incident highlights the urgency of addressing security challenges in the region. Al-Shabab’s intent to disrupt governmental proceedings and public safety remains a crucial issue. Efforts to counter the group’s influence are critical, emphasizing the need for ongoing political and military strategies to stabilize areas threatened by extremism.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
