Gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a meeting of local elders and officials. At least four people died, with al Shabaab claiming responsibility and stating they killed over 10 individuals. The attack reflects ongoing violence in the region as government forces work to eliminate threats posed by the militant group.
On March 11, 2025, gunmen launched an attack on a hotel in central Somalia during a meeting of local elders and government officials. Witnesses reported that at least four individuals were killed in the assault, according to Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiraan region. Following the initial attack, government forces engaged in operations to expel the al Shabaab fighters, some of whom had died in nearby areas.
The Islamist group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that they had murdered more than ten individuals. Abdullahi Fidow, a clan elder, mentioned that the gathering aimed to develop strategies to combat the influence of al Shabaab in the region. He noted, “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 Shabaab, which is linked to Al Qaeda, routinely conducts bombings and armed attacks in Somalia, aiming to overthrow the government and impose its stringent interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. One witness, shopkeeper Ali Suleiman, described the chaos, stating, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.”
As the conflict persisted, parts of the Qahira Hotel were severely damaged due to the exchange of gunfire between government troops and the assailants. Halima Nur, a nearby resident, reported that intermittent gunfire continued throughout the siege as the situation unfolded.
The recent attack on the hotel in Beledweyne highlights the ongoing violence perpetrated by al Shabaab in Somalia. This incident resulted in multiple fatalities and ongoing conflicts between government forces and militants. The local community remains on high alert as these operations aim to stabilize the region against such extremist threats. Vigilance and collaboration among officials and residents are crucial for addressing the challenges posed by al Shabaab.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
