by In a brazen assault on a key venue in central Somalia, Al-Shabab militants have claimed responsibility for an attack on the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne. The armed group targeted the hotel on Tuesday while government officials and tribal elders were engaged in critical talks about combating the extremist outfit.
The militants detonated a car bomb before storming the hotel, firing on those inside. A fierce confrontation with Somali security forces quickly ensued, leading to a prolonged siege that extended into the early afternoon hours. As the battle raged on, the security situation remained tense, with casualties reported on both sides
Ali Suleiman, a local shopkeeper, recalled the horror of the attack, describing hearing a massive explosion followed by gunfire, then a second blast. “Part of the hotel was reduced to rubble,” Suleiman told Reuters. His account paints a vivid picture of the chaos that erupted during the assault.
Al-Shabab, in a statement, claimed responsibility for the attack and asserted that more than 10 people had been killed. However, details surrounding the death toll remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from the scene.
According to Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Beledweyne, at least four fatalities have been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that six people were killed, including two prominent traditional elders who were present for the talks.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabab, which has long targeted government officials, military personnel, and key figures in Somalia’s effort to stabilize the country. The extremist group has intensified its campaign in recent months, carrying out attacks on government buildings, military installations, and areas frequented by civilians.
The siege on the Cairo Hotel comes just weeks after a similar attack on another high-profile venue in the capital, Mogadishu, underscoring the persistent volatility in the region.
Somalia’s Struggle for Stability
As Somalia continues to fight against Al-Shabab’s insurgency, the government faces the challenge of rebuilding the nation while combating the destabilizing influence of extremist factions. The latest attack in Beledweyne serves as a reminder of the complex and perilous security environment that Somali officials and their international partners must navigate in their efforts to restore peace and order.
The situation in Beledweyne remains fluid, and as investigations continue, the country’s security forces are on high alert, hoping to prevent further attacks while reinforcing their commitment to countering extremism.
