The attack, initiated by a car bomb and followed by gunmen entering the Qahira Hotel, is part of al-Shabab's long-term insurgency in Somalia. As clashes with security forces continue, the death toll rises amidst efforts to rescue hostages.
Deadly Hotel Siege in Beledweyne: Al-Shabab Unleashes Terror in Central Somalia
Deadly Hotel Siege in Beledweyne: Al-Shabab Unleashes Terror in Central Somalia
Armed al-Shabab militants stormed a hotel in Beledweyne, resulting in multiple casualties and an ongoing siege.
Armed militants from the al-Shabab group launched a severe attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, a key city in central Somalia, resulting in an intense siege that is still unfolding, according to police and eyewitness accounts. The assault started with a powerful car explosion, which was quickly followed by armed assailants entering the hotel and engaging in fierce gunfire with security personnel.
Reports indicate that at least four individuals have lost their lives in the attack, but local witnesses report higher figures, with at least 10 fatalities being confirmed as security forces continue to confront the attackers inside the hotel. Al-Shabab, which has been linked to al-Qaeda, has maintained a violent insurgency in Somalia for over 20 years. This particular raid seems particularly notable as it coincided with an important meeting involving politicians, security officials, and community leaders who were strategizing on a military campaign aimed at diminishing al-Shabab’s influence in the region.
Beledweyne is strategically crucial, lying approximately 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of Mogadishu, the capital. Police spokesperson Ali Mahad revealed that a number of attendees had managed to escape the hotel during the attack, while active confrontations with the militants persisted. Local lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow mentioned that nearly seven assailants were barricaded inside the hotel, emphasizing the need for specialized military units equipped with heavy weaponry to deal with the armed insurgents effectively.
Eyewitness Ali Suleiman described the chaos as the initial blast was followed by incessant gunfire, culminating in further explosions that caused significant damage to parts of the hotel. Although the exact number of injuries remains unclear, efforts are underway to transport wounded individuals to Mogadishu for medical attention as the situation continues to evolve amid ongoing violence.
