Al Shabaab militants attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, targeting a meeting of local elders and officials. The assault, which resulted in multiple fatalities, reveals ongoing violence in the area as the group seeks to undermine government authority. Witnesses described the chaos of blasts and gunfire, while government forces responded to reclaim control.

On Tuesday, gunmen assaulted a hotel in central Somalia where local elders and government officials were convening. Eyewitnesses reported that a siege ensued, and Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Beledweyne, confirmed that at least four individuals had perished during the attack. Government forces began efforts to expel Al Shabaab militants, who sustained casualties in adjacent alleys.

The militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting in a statement that it had killed more than ten people. Abdullahi Fidow, a clan elder in Beledweyne, noted that the meeting was intended to strategize on countering Al Shabaab’s presence in the region. He expressed relief at his absence during the blasts, having been delayed by family matters.

Witness Ali Suleiman recounted the events, stating, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.” This highlights the chaos that ensued as parts of the Qahira Hotel were left in ruins amidst exchanged fire between government troops and assailants. Halima Nur, another eyewitness, reported that intermittent gunfire could be heard as the siege persisted.

The armed attack on a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, underscores the ongoing violence perpetrated by Al Shabaab. The militants aimed to disrupt discussions on combating their influence. The armed forces are engaged in efforts to neutralize the threat, while community leaders highlight the dire necessity for security in the region.

Original Source: thesun.my