Al-Shabab gunmen attacked the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a meeting of officials, claiming over ten deaths. The armed group employed a car bomb to commence the siege, which led to an intense clash with security forces. Witness accounts varied on the fatalities, and Al-Shabab’s ongoing attempts to destabilize the government underline a persistent threat despite military efforts against them.
On a troubling day in central Somalia, Al-Shabab gunmen launched an assault on the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne. The attack coincided with a gathering of government officials and tribal elders aimed at formulating strategies against the group. Currently, reports suggest that the death toll could exceed ten individuals as the situation remained tense during the siege.
The attackers initiated the assault with a car bomb, allowing them to enter the premises while firing indiscriminately. The ensuing confrontation with Somali security forces was intense, resulting in an ongoing siege. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos; a local shopkeeper described hearing “a huge blast followed by gunfire,” substantiating the severity of the attack.
Although Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, asserting more than ten fatalities, the actual number remains uncertain. Different sources reported varying counts – federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow confirmed four deaths, while a resident reported six fatalities, including two notable traditional elders.
Al-Shabab emerged in the wake of Somalia’s civil unrest post-1991, having engaged in conflict with the Somali government for over 16 years. Affiliated with al-Qaeda, the group aspires to overthrow the government to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law, frequently targeting government personnel. Despite the concerted efforts of Somali forces and an African Union peacekeeping contingent to suppress them, Al-Shabab retains significant control in parts of rural Somalia, continuing to pose a substantial threat to national stability.
The siege at the Cairo Hotel is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence perpetrated by Al-Shabab in Somalia. The varied reports on the death toll underscore the chaos typical of such attacks. As the armed group persists in its campaign against the Somali government, the need for effective measures to ensure public safety and security becomes paramount. Al-Shabab’s continued influence highlights the challenges faced by the Somali authorities in achieving stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
