Gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, where local leaders were meeting, resulting in at least four fatalities. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, asserting a higher death toll. Eyewitness accounts detail blasts and gunfire as government forces engaged the militants, underscoring the ongoing violence in the region.
In central Somalia, gunmen attacked a hotel where local elders and government officials convened, according to witnesses and relatives. Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal politician from Beledweyne, reported that at least four individuals were killed in the assault. Following the initial assault, government forces launched operations to neutralize the militants, with some reportedly killed in nearby alleys.
The Islamist militant group al-Shabab has taken responsibility for the attack, claiming that over ten individuals lost their lives. Abdullahi Fidow, a clan elder in Beledweyne, indicated that the meeting aimed to discuss strategies to combat al-Shabab in the area. He mentioned, “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.”
Al-Shabab frequently executes bombings and armed assaults throughout Somalia as part of its agenda to overthrow the government and implement its strict interpretation of Sharia law. Witness Ali Suleiman described the sequence of events, stating, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.” He noted that parts of the Qahira Hotel were devastated as clashes ensued between government troops and gunmen.
Halima Nur, a local resident, corroborated that intermittent gunfire persisted throughout the siege, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia and the ongoing struggle for stability in the region.
The attack on the hotel in Beledweyne represents a significant act of violence by al-Shabab, contributing to the ongoing insecurity in Somalia. With local leaders attempting to strategize against the militant group, the situation emphasizes the critical need for security and support in combatting extremist threats. The loss of life in such incidents is a grave concern for the nation’s peace and development efforts.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
